The following resources provide additional context on global food waste, policy effectiveness, and sustainability research. Sources marked Used in project directly contributed data to this visualization.
The most comprehensive global study of food waste by sector and country, covering 78 countries. Breaks down waste into household, foodservice, and retail categories with methodology notes. This project used the 2021 edition for its 28-country dataset, with the 2024 report providing updated context.
unep.org/resources/report/food-waste-index-report-2024Country-by-country policy ratings from Harvard Law School Food Law & Policy Clinic and the Global FoodBanking Network. Covers 6 policy dimensions across dozens of countries. This project used these ratings to compute a 0–18 policy score per country, with Strong=3, Moderate=2, Limited=1, None=0.
atlas.foodbanking.org/map/GDP per capita (NY.GDP.PCAP.CD) and population (SP.POP.TOTL) data for all 28 countries, years 2019–2023. Used to contextualize food waste figures against national income.
data.worldbank.orgOverview of global causes, scale, and solutions from the UN Food & Agriculture Organization. Covers the full food supply chain from post-harvest loss to consumer waste, with regional breakdowns and guidance for governments.
fao.org/food-loss-and-food-waste/en/US-focused food waste data, solutions, and policy impact database. Estimates economic and environmental value of various reduction strategies, and tracks progress against national targets. Particularly useful for understanding the US food system in depth.
insights.refed.orgA coalition of executives from governments, businesses, and research institutions advancing SDG Target 12.3 — to halve global food waste by 2030. Publishes country progress reports and highlights policy best practices from leading nations.
champions123.orgArgues that structural food system transformation — redesigning supply chains, shifting dietary patterns, investing in cold chain infrastructure — is more impactful than individual policy measures alone. This perspective challenges the assumption that legislation is the primary lever for reducing food waste at scale.
wri.org/foodFrance scores 18/18 on policy yet wastes nearly as much as the US at 11/18.
Read more →65–95% of food waste comes from households across all income groups.
Read more →South Africa wastes 54 kg/cap; Nigeria wastes 201 kg — both low-income countries.
Read more →