US Will Waste 267 Million Meals This Thanksgiving: ReFED
According to food systems think tank ReFED, about 320 million pounds of food are expected to go to waste this Thanksgiving, an increase from 316 million pounds in 2024. The discarded food is valued at approximately $550 million in retail terms.
ReFED estimates that this waste equals around 267 million meals that could have served people facing food insecurity. The data highlight ongoing issues of inflation and economic strain in the United States, where food prices in September 2025 were roughly 18.2% higher than in January 2022.
“The amount of food going to waste this year represents some 267 million meals that could have gone to people in need,” said ReFED.
Federal judges have instructed the Trump administration to maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments using emergency funds. However, the ongoing government shutdown may delay benefit distribution for millions of households, compounding economic stress.
ReFED’s Findings on Consumer Behavior
ReFED’s analysis focuses on food waste occurring primarily in homes. The combination of high prices and waste illustrates deep inefficiencies in the food system, from overproduction to household management, with both financial and environmental costs.
- 40% of all holiday food waste comes from turkey
- 12% of hosts admit they won’t manage leftovers
- 50% report not being concerned about food waste
- 45% plan to send guests home with leftovers
Consumer behavior remains the leading factor driving this seasonal food waste problem.
Author’s Summary
ReFED’s report shows that Thanksgiving food waste in 2025 will exceed 320 million pounds, reflecting the effects of inflation, consumer habits, and systemic inefficiency across the food supply chain.
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