Summary
Creates a grant program through the Environmental Protection Agency to help communities cut the amount of food that gets thrown away.
What problem does this solve?
Too much food is thrown into landfills, which is bad for the environment and a waste of resources. This bill gives money to local governments and groups to fund projects that prevent, rescue, or recycle food.
Who does this affect?
- State, local, and Tribal governments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Waste management industry
What does this bill do?
Establishes a food waste reduction grant program
Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create and manage a competitive grant program for projects that reduce food waste.
Sets a national goal for food waste reduction
Aims to help cut the amount of food waste in half by the year 2035, compared to the amount wasted in 2015.
Authorizes $6.5 billion in funding
Approves $650 million in funding for each year from 2026 through 2035 to carry out the grant program.
Defines who can receive grants
Allows states, local governments, territorial governments, Tribal governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for the grants.
Prioritizes grants for disadvantaged communities
Gives preference to projects that will be located in communities of color, low-income communities, or Tribal communities that are overly affected by environmental and health problems.
Funds different types of food waste projects
Allows grant money to be used for studying food waste, collecting data, or starting projects like food rescue, upcycling, and recycling programs.
Requires reporting on program progress
Mandates that grant recipients report their results to the EPA, and the EPA must provide an annual report to Congress on the program's effectiveness.
What is the real world impact?
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Reduces harmful greenhouse gases
Funds projects to keep food out of landfills, where it rots and releases methane, a powerful gas that contributes to climate change. This helps protect the environment.
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Helps feed people in need
Encourages the rescue and redirection of extra food to people who need it, which can help reduce hunger in communities.
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Prioritizes environmental justice
Gives special consideration to grant applications for projects in low-income areas, communities of color, and Tribal lands that have been hit hardest by pollution and other environmental problems.
When does this start?
The bill outlines several key dates, with funding for the grant program beginning in 2026 and a final goal set for 2035.
Grant program funding
Funding of $650 million per year is authorized for the fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
Food waste reduction goal
The program's goal is to reduce the quantity of food waste by 50 percent by the year 2035.
Annual progress reports
The EPA must submit a report to Congress each year describing the program's effectiveness.