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An analysis of a community food waste stream

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  • Mary Griffin
  • Jeffery Sobal
  • Thomas Lyson

Abstract

Food waste comprises a significant portion of the waste stream in industrialized countries, contributing to ecological damages and nutritional losses. Guided by a systems approach, this study quantified food waste in one U.S. County in 1998–1999. Publications and personal interviews were used to quantify waste from food production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Approximately 10,205 tons of food waste was generated annually in this community food system. Of all food waste, production waste comprised 20%, processing 1%, distribution 19%, and 60% of food waste was generated by consumers. Less than one-third (28%) of total food waste was recovered via composting (25%) and food donations (3%), and over 7,000 tons (72%) were landfilled. More than 8.8 billion kilocalories of food were wasted, enough to feed county residents for 1.5 months. This case study offers an example of procedures to quantify and compare food waste across a whole community food system. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Griffin & Jeffery Sobal & Thomas Lyson, 2009. "An analysis of a community food waste stream," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 26(1), pages 67-81, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:26:y:2009:i:1:p:67-81
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-008-9178-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gallo, Anthony E., 1980. "Consumer Food Waste In the United States," Food Review/ National Food Review, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, vol. 0(1), December.
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    6. William Kling, 1943. "Food Waste in Distribution and Use," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 25(4), pages 848-859.
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