Food Systems

Food Waste Reduction and Animal Welfare Connections

Reducing food waste from animal products reduces the total demand for animal production and the associated welfare harms.

Key Facts

40% of food produced in the US is wasted including significant amounts of animal products
Meat and dairy waste represent significant wasted animal welfare harm and environmental cost
Food waste reduction is among the most impactful interventions for both climate and animal welfare
Meal planning and reduced portion sizes are effective household waste reduction strategies

Welfare Considerations

When animal products are wasted, the welfare harms incurred in their production are multiplied without benefit. Reducing food waste from animal products reduces effective demand and the animals required to meet that demand. Every kilogram of meat wasted represents wasted animal suffering. This insight connects food waste reduction directly to animal welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Plan meals to reduce animal product waste in your household
Purchase smaller quantities of animal products to reduce perishable waste
Support supermarket campaigns to reduce animal product waste in retail
Advocate for food waste reduction programs in food service institutions