NO TIME TO Waste Act
Sponsored By: Representative Pingree
Introduced
Summary
This bill would pursue a national goal of a 50 percent reduction in U.S. food loss and waste by 2030. It would set up a new USDA Office of Food Loss and Waste, fund data collection, regional coordination, recovery infrastructure, public private partnerships, and a national education campaign to measure and cut waste across the supply chain.
Show full summary
- Families: Gets a national education campaign with household tips on food safety versus freshness, date‑label guidance, storage and composting, and consumer tools to waste less food.
- Food banks and recovery groups: Expands funding for storage, temperature‑controlled distribution, processing capacity, and technology that matches surplus food in real time. Grants may cover staff pay and require coordination with USDA regional coordinators.
- Farmers and producers: Directs research to quantify on‑farm losses and prioritize grants to reduce production inefficiencies, including on‑farm milk loss and safe uses of wholesome uneaten food as feed.
- State, local, and Tribal governments: Eligible for data grants and annual block grants to develop local infrastructure and model policies; data grants require at least a 10 percent non‑Federal match.
- Private sector and partnerships: Authorizes grants to public‑private partnerships that must provide a 50 percent non‑Federal match, collect baselines, and publish annual progress reports.
*Would authorize roughly $53.5 million in appropriations from 2026 through 2030, increasing federal spending over that period.*
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Defines 'upcycled' food products
The bill would define “upcycled food product.” Products would need to use surplus or byproducts, not food meant for people. They would need traceable, verifiable supply data and a positive environmental impact.
Grants to track food waste results
The Office would run grants to collect data on food waste policies. Governments and partnerships could apply. Projects could last up to three years and must share the data collected. Data would include baselines and economic benefits from recovered or upcycled food. Recipients would need at least a 10% non‑federal match. The program would get $2 million each year for 2026–2030, with up to 4% for admin.
Help states rescue and move surplus food
USDA would set up regional coordinators to help move surplus food. They would give technical help on pickup, processing, and delivery. States and Tribes would get block grants to build storage, cold delivery, and matching tech. Grants could also support staff for recovery groups. The grants would get $2 million each year for 2026–2030, and coordinators $1 million.
More governments eligible for composting grants
The bill would expand composting grants to State and Tribal governments. USDA would publish guidance for applicants who lack technical help. The application window would be long enough for small and rural communities. Grants could include private funding or other revenue as allowed.
National campaign to cut household food waste
USDA, with EPA, would launch a national education campaign on food waste. It would show household waste levels and teach storage and date‑label tips. It would teach composting and explain upcycled products. The campaign would use pilots, local partners, and waste audits to measure results. It would get $2 million each year for 2026–2030.
Public-private grants to cut food waste
The Office, with EPA, would fund public‑private partnerships to cut food waste. Eligible governments would apply with a nonprofit and a private company. Partnerships would set baselines, track progress, and publish yearly reports. They would coordinate with regional coordinators. Recipients would need to match at least 50% with non‑federal or private funds. The program would get $2 million each year for 2026–2030.
USDA hub to cut food waste
If enacted, USDA would create an Office of Food Loss and Waste. It would study waste, build tools, and report progress toward a 50% cut by 2030 from 2016. USDA, EPA, and FDA would report yearly, meet quarterly, and consult with producers and nonprofits. Smaller producers and impacted communities would be included. The Office would get $1.5 million each year for 2026–2030.
USDA research to target food loss
USDA would give extra priority to research grants that reduce food loss and waste. Projects to cut on‑farm milk loss or use uneaten food as feed would rank higher.
New food-waste reports for federal contractors
Federal contractors would have to report on food waste and donations under their contracts. The rule would start 180 days after enactment. Every two years, agencies would report the results to Congress.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pingree
ME • D
Cosponsors
Lawler
NY • R
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Fitzpatrick
PA • R
Sponsored 7/2/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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