The Food Waste Solutions Summit hosted by ReFED, gathered experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore potential solutions to the challenge of food waste.

Dana Gunders, Executive Director at ReFED, emphasized the need to think bigger and make more progress. She outlined five action steps to advance solutions, including scaling pilot programs, seeking expertise, improving measurement and industry benchmarking, fostering collaboration, and acknowledging barriers. Gunders urged attendees to be serious contributors to solving the significant problem of food loss and waste.

The summit covered various topics ranging from technological innovations to financing solutions. ReFED‘s Catalytic Grant Fund, Capital Tracker, and Insights Engine were highlighted as tools to monitor food loss and waste in the United States and showcased potential solutions.

Alexandria Coari, Vice President of Capital, Innovation, and Engagement at ReFED, shared observations from the Capital Tracker, revealing an increase in philanthropic funding and private investment in the food waste space. Notable investments from ReFED‘s Catalytic Grant Fund were also highlighted, supporting organizations such as Transparent Path and Wisely. Transparent Path focuses on supply chain visibility for perishable goods, while Wisely aims to introduce smart food storage solutions for households.

Coari emphasized that funding for food waste solutions should match the magnitude of the problem, considering its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Philanthropy was identified as a potential source of catalytic capital to support initiatives that may not attract traditional funding & effective storytelling was taught as a way to better connect with funders and the public.

Storytelling played a role throughout the summit, highlighting intersections between food loss and waste, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Stephen Satterfield, Founder and CEO of Whetstone Media, emphasized the power of narrative in understanding the origins of food waste, linking it to historical factors such as plantations and market dynamics. Satterfield encouraged critical examination of inherited food systems.

The summit concluded with the recognition that investing in food waste solutions is at a critical juncture. Despite current geopolitical and economic challenges, there is a clear momentum and opportunity to address the issue of food waste through investment, collaboration, and innovation.