September 29 marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a global day dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental, social, and economic impact of food that is lost or wasted.

In 2026, the day focuses on “The Transformative Potential of Reducing Food Loss and Waste,” highlighting how reducing food loss and waste can improve food security, protect natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen food systems.

The scale of food loss and waste

Globally, an estimated 13.2% of food is lost after harvest and before reaching retail, while another 19% is wasted at the retail, food service, and household levels. Together, food loss and waste account for an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

These numbers represent more than food that never gets eaten. They also represent the land, water, energy, labor, and other resources used to produce food that ultimately goes to waste.

At the same time, millions of people around the world experience hunger and food insecurity. Reducing food loss and waste is therefore both an environmental issue and a food access issue.

Turning surplus food into an opportunity

Food rescue is one way communities and businesses can help address this gap.

Rescuing Leftover Cuisine works with food businesses to recover surplus food and deliver it to nonprofit and community organizations serving people experiencing food insecurity. Instead of sending good food to the landfill, food rescue creates a pathway for that food to reach people who can use it.

Businesses can play an important role in this process. Restaurants, caterers, hotels, grocery stores, corporate cafeterias, and other food businesses may have safe, edible food left over at the end of a meal service, event, or business day. Food rescue provides a way to redirect that food rather than discard it.

Everyone has a role in reducing food waste

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is a reminder that reducing food waste requires action across the food system, from producers and businesses to households, nonprofits, and communities.

For businesses with surplus food, food donation and rescue can be a practical way to keep edible food in circulation while supporting local communities.

At RLC, people can get involved by donating surplus food, volunteering as a food rescuer, organizing a corporate volunteer event, or supporting our work financially.

Learn more about food rescue and how you can get involved with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.