Rockland Reporter

Representatives Mike Lawler, Chellie Pingree, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Brian Fitzpatrick have introduced a resolution to recognize September 29th as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). This day is observed annually to highlight the global challenge of food loss and waste. The resolution has received support from the Zero Food Waste Coalition.

Food waste leads to the loss of over $1 trillion worth of food each year, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all food produced globally. Concurrently, 783 million people suffer from hunger annually, with 150 million children under five experiencing stunted growth due to nutrient deficiencies. Food loss and waste worsen food insecurity and contribute significantly to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

"Food loss and waste is a massive problem – it exacerbates food insecurity and is bad for the environment," said Congressman Lawler. "That's why I joined Congresswoman Chellie Pingree last year in introducing the NO TIME TO Waste Act supporting new research and technologies to tackle this challenge. I'm proud to again be partnering with Representative Pingree along with Representatives Chavez-DeRemer and Fitzpatrick to recognize International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Drawing attention to the problem of food insecurity is an important step to advancing solutions to a problem affecting millions worldwide and right here in our own country."

"It is staggering that nearly 40 percent of all food produced globally is wasted each year. This is bad for the environment, extremely costly, and is a lost opportunity to help feed those who are food insecure," said Congresswoman Pingree, co-founder of the Congressional Food Recovery Caucus and member of the House Agriculture Committee. "I’m proud to support the bipartisan resolution to establish an International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste in the United States. By increasing awareness of food loss and waste, we can help spur action to enact policies that help us bolster food recovery."

"Nearly 40 percent of food produced every year goes to waste. To help those who continue to suffer from malnutrition, prevent emissions that harm our environment, and save money for homes and businesses, it’s important to prioritize enhancing food waste prevention methods. Recognizing International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is an important step towards making a positive impact for future generations," Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer said.

"Hunger affects nearly 750 million people around the world each year, yet in 2022 alone, more than 1 billion tons of food were wasted. This staggering loss is unacceptable and harmful to our nation and planet," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. "I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution to designate September 29th as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. I strongly urge my fellow members of Congress to stand with us in fighting the devastating impact of food waste on our communities, our environment, and our future."

"The Zero Food Waste Coalition is honored to join Coalition member Too Good To Go in its campaign to urge Congress to federally recognize the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss Waste. When it comes to food loss and waste, we all have a role to play if we’re going to meet the national goal of reduction by 50% by 2030. Dedicating a day to highlight this work, and increasing food loss and waste prevention efforts alongside it, is a great stride toward progress," said the Zero Food Waste Coalition.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts or all Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.