This study estimates mass flow and food loss and waste (FLW) along the US food supply chain for 10 commodity groups and nine management pathways. A total FLW of 335.4 million metric tonnes was estimated in 2016, with water evaporation (19%), recycling (55%), and landfill/incineration/wastewater treatment (23%) accounting for most of the loss. The consumption stage accounted for 57% of FLW disposed of through landfill, incineration, or wastewater treatment, while manufacturing was the largest contributor to overall FLW (61%) but had a high recycling rate. High-demand, perishable products accounted for 67% of food waste. The study suggests infrastructure funding and incentives for earlier food donation to improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability.

Wenquan Dong, Kristina Armstrong, Mingzhou Jin, Sachin Nimbalkar, Wei Guo, Jie Zhuang, Joe Cresko