There is an underlying rumble that drives through American citizens. In an incredibly wealthy country where obesity is deemed an epidemic, attention is drawn towards healthy diets, nutrition, and calorie counts. But what about those who can’t afford the healthy options? While some may gravitate to the organic section in a grocery store exploring their options, there are too many other individuals who do not have that option. That rumble I mentioned earlier? It’s in the stomachs of citizens in a first world country in which food waste occurs.

     This food waste and hunger occurs simultaneously. The pains of hunger is something no human should experience, let alone in one of the wealthiest countries. Children go home from school uncertain of what they will eat rather than worrying over whether they should do their homework first or play first after school. I myself felt the struggle of food insecurity in my college years. It was not as easy to focus on studies when I was figuring out how to ensure food was taken care of. This is a need that is a requirement for life.

     That is why I propose that we challenge ourselves, our corporations, and our policy makers to make it a goal to create initiatives that focus on reducing both food waste and food insecurity in America. According to Rosso (2020), "studies have estimated that between a third and half of food produced globally is not consumed," (Rosso, 2020, p. 153). This reduction in food waste could be done by creating initiatives that encourage companies to donate what might otherwise be thrown away instead of entering households of hungry Americans. It could also lead to larger farms donating food that is harvested, yet wasted, in the same vein as the business "Misfits Market".  Rosso (2020) refers to one impact as "post-harvest losses," (Rosso, 2020, p. 153).  Additionally, in the U.S., it's further noted that "30-40 percent of food -- 75 billion pounds (34 billion kg) per year -- is wasted, and food makes up a large proportion of household trash," (Rosso, 2020, p.154). Rosso (2020) also specifies there are 42 million people in the U.S. who are impacted by food insecurity. 

     According to Rosso (2020), companies can participate in being part of the Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions program, and we need more companies to participate. We need companies and leaders to take an even stronger stance against food waste and food insecurity. Waste that equated to 75 billion pounds in a year, when there are people who struggle to put food on the table is unacceptable. Luckily, there are the beginnings of progress, but we need more engagement sooner. We need food manufacturers, businesses, policy makers, and every day American citizens to join the effort. 

     I challenge us all to learn the true blessing that it is to have such easy access to food. By signing this petition, my hope is that you create a goal to learn how you can reduce food waste and contribute to the solution. I call on all of us to learn strategies we can use in even small instances to reduce waste. Plant an extra tomato plant to donate. Buy less at a time at the store. I also call on corporate America to participate in programs and focus initiatives on donating what would otherwise be wasted. Food is a right, and it's our responsibility to make sure no human goes without this necessity, especially with so much food waste occurring. Policymakers need to continue to work towards progress. With the right leadership and participation, I believe we can make a new America. One that no longer suffers from hunger and food waste. Sign this petition to show your support to reduce food waste and food insecurity.

References:

Rosso Grossman, M. (2020). USA ∙ US Agency Cooperation to Reduce Food Loss and Waste. In European Food & Feed Law Review (Vol. 15, Issue 2, pp. 153–157).