US Will Waste 267 Million Meals This Thanksgiving
Nearly 320 million pounds of food are expected to be discarded during Thanksgiving 2025, according to the food systems think tank ReFED. This marks a slight increase from 316 million pounds wasted in 2024. The value of the wasted food is estimated at $550 million in retail terms.
ReFED reports that this lost food equates to roughly 267 million meals that could have helped feed people in need. The findings highlight ongoing tension between rising living costs and widespread food insecurity in the United States.
Economic and Social Context
Food prices remain about 18.2% higher in September 2025 compared with January 2022, amplifying the strain on both households and producers. Adding to the uncertainty, the federal judiciary has directed the Trump administration to continue SNAP (food stamp) payments using emergency reserves. Still, the government shutdown could delay aid for millions of Americans.
Consumer Behavior and Food Waste
ReFED’s analysis shows that most waste originates at the household level. Even with higher grocery costs, inefficiencies such as overproduction and poor planning persist, carrying both financial and environmental costs.
- 40% of holiday food waste comes from turkey
- 12% of hosts admit they won’t manage leftovers
- 50% are unconcerned about food waste
- 45% plan to give leftover food to guests
“The rate of household food waste highlights inefficiencies throughout the supply chain—from overproduction to consumer habits,” notes ReFED.
Author’s Summary
This Thanksgiving, the US faces over 320 million pounds of wasted food—worth $550 million—revealing how inflation, consumer habits, and systemic inefficiencies intersect in the fight against hunger.
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