U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the addition of Meijer, an American supercenter chain throughout the Midwest, and UNFI, a North America Food wholesaler, to the U.S. Food Loss & Waste 2030 Champions.

Champions are U.S. businesses and organizations that pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations 50% by 2030. The commitment and action of these businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources and improve food system efficiencies while reducing waste, EPA and USDA said in a joint news release.

“Businesses are leaders in innovation, and we applaud Meijer and UNFI for taking a leadership role in reducing food loss and waste,” Perdue said. “We encourage more manufacturers, grocers, restaurants and other businesses to become U.S. Food Loss & Waste 2030 Champions.”

The most recent EPA data available estimate that more food -- over 75 billion lb. -- reached landfills and combustion facilities in 2017 than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 22% of discarded municipal solid waste. Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S.

“Unfortunately, most of America’s current daily waste is, in fact, wasted food,” Wheeler said. “We welcome Meijer and UNFI to our Food Loss & Waste 2030 Champions program. Their efforts and leadership will help us reach our national goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.”

Food waste not only affects landfill space and emissions; it also negatively affects the economy. USDA estimates that the value of food loss and waste for retailers and consumers each year exceeds $161 billion.

UNFI director of sustainability and social impact Alisha Real said, “With millions of American families struggling every day to access sufficient, nutritious food, it is simply unacceptable that so much is wasted. We recognize the importance of collaboration as we work to address this challenge and are thrilled to join the U.S. Food Loss & Waste 2030 Champions to share best practices with others in our industry. As a critical link in the food supply, UNFI is committed to digging in to help find solutions.”

Meijer and UNFI are joining a list of existing 2030 Champions that include: Ahold Delhaize, Amazon, Aramark, Blue Apron, Bon Appetit, Browns Superstores, Campbells, Compass Group, ConAgra, Farmstead, General Mills, Giant Eagle, Hello Fresh, Hilton, Kellogg’s, Kroger, Las Vegas Sands, Marley Spoon, MGM Resorts, Mom’s Organic Market, Pepsico, Sodexo, Sprouts, The Wendy’s Co., Unilever, Walmart, Walt Disney World, Wegmans, Weis, Whitsons and Yum! Brands.