The New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding food waste and its economic implications. The meeting highlighted the staggering statistic that approximately 31% of food generated nationwide, equating to 73.9 million tons, becomes surplus, resulting in an annual waste valued at $382 billion. This figure underscores a significant economic opportunity for businesses and communities alike.

One of the key points discussed was the success of New Jersey businesses utilizing the app Too Good To Go, which has helped recoup around $3.7 million in potential losses from surplus food. The committee emphasized that encouraging businesses to adopt innovative solutions like this can complement traditional food donation efforts, reduce waste, and bolster local economies.

The meeting also referenced a 2017 study from the World Resources Institute, which found that for every dollar invested in food waste prevention, businesses could see a return of $14. This return is achieved through improved inventory management, increased sales, and reduced waste management costs. The committee stressed that while charitable donations are important, they alone will not suffice to meet New Jersey's food waste reduction goals by 2030.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the financial burden of food waste on consumers, particularly in light of rising grocery prices. It was noted that U.S. households waste approximately $150 billion worth of food annually, with each four-person household losing an estimated $1,500 to $3,000 each year due to uneaten food. A significant contributor to this waste is confusion surrounding food date labels, which leads to the disposal of edible food. The committee called for standardized date labeling to help consumers better understand food safety and quality, proposing two categories: "best if used by" for quality and "used by" for safety.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for policies prioritizing food waste prevention, innovative business practices, and consumer education to tackle the growing issue of food waste in New Jersey.