Growing the Upcycled Food Economy
Building a food system where all food reaches its highest and best use.
Upcycled food is a way that anyone can prevent food waste via the products they buy. And it’s more important now than ever.
Upcycling prevents global warming
According to Project Drawdown, the global leader in ranking climate solutions, preventing food waste is the single most effective solution to prevent global warming of more than 2 degrees celsius.
A lot of food is going to waste
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, over 30% of all food is wasted, about one billion tons, and one trillion dollars, per year.
Food waste creates emissions
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, this waste accounts for approximately 8% of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Food waste contributes to landfills
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food waste is the main contributor to solid waste landfills.
Consumers want to reduce waste
According to Mattson, 95% of consumers felt it was important to do their part to reduce food waste in their own lives.
October 2024 marked five years for the Upcycled Food Association and the Upcycled Food Foundation!
Watch recordings from our weekly deep dive webinars into topics across the wide world of upcycled food.
Between 30-40% of all food produced globally is lost or goes to waste, and that's a big problem for society and the planet. Upcycled food prevents this problem by creating new, high-quality products from surplus food. 60% of people want to buy more upcycled food products, and that's because 95% of us want to do our part to reduce food waste.
Join us as we build the sustainable food system of the future.
FOOD PLANET PRIZE HONOREE
FOOD PLANET PRIZE HONOREE
The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize, the world’s largest environmental award, has unveiled its longlist for the 2025 $2 million prize. Out of nearly a thousand nominations, we are honored to be included among 39 initiatives from 23 countries across six continents that have been selected. These initiatives showcase inspiring examples of collective efforts aimed at addressing the environmental damage caused by current food systems.
ABOUT US
Upcycled Food Association (UFA) is a global membership-based trade association working to prevent food waste by accelerating the upcycled food economy, supporting more than 200 members, collaborating to empower consumers to prevent food waste with the products they buy.
