ReFED is an American initiative that is attempting to provide viable food waste solutions and relief for organizations, farmers, and those in need. Throughout the month of May, ReFED is giving more than $1,000,000 USD in order to prevent 10 million pounds of food waste in the duration and wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. This number is estimated to be enough for about 8.3 million meals.
Food waste solutions are absolutely crucial during the pandemic as "farmers are faced with fields of crops and no buyers, [...] restaurant owners find themselves with pantries and fridges of food they can't service [and] around 40 million Americans were food-insecure before the pandemic."
The food waste solution fund will be given to some pre=vetted initiatives right away—Food Rescue US and Wholesome Wave, for example. Meanwhile, ReFED is looking for other organizations that can commit to rescuing at least 250 tons of food within the next three months.
Food Waste Solution Funds
ReFED Finds Food Waste Solutions & Provides Relief for Those in Need
Trend Themes
1. Food Waste Reduction - Opportunity for innovative solutions to reduce food waste and divert excess food to those in need.
2. Food Rescue Initiatives - Potential for new initiatives and technologies to rescue and redistribute surplus food from farms, restaurants, and other food providers.
3. Collaborative Partnerships - Rise in collaborations between organizations and industry stakeholders to tackle food waste and ensure food security during the pandemic.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - Opportunity for farmers to explore partnerships and technologies that can help prevent food waste and find alternative distribution channels.
2. Restaurant and Food Service - Potential for restaurant owners and food service providers to develop innovative strategies for reducing food waste and supporting local communities in need.
3. Nonprofit and Social Impact - Growth in nonprofit organizations focused on food rescue initiatives and addressing food insecurity through innovative solutions.