The Produce Moms has been named an educational partner of the EPA’s Freedom 250 efforts through the Feed It Onward initiative.
Feed It Onward is a national, partner-driven initiative that spotlights successful efforts to keep food in use and out of landfills, elevating real-world stories from farms, companies, grocery retailers, waste operators and nonprofits.
The initiative will celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. by honoring the people who keep the country moving forward.
By partnering with Feed It Onward, The Produce Moms says it will leverage its consumer platforms and fresh produce expertise to help share Feed It Onward’s stories in ways that resonate with families, retailers and educators. Through its digital channels, podcast, media appearances and branded products, The Produce Moms plans to highlight the people and partnerships turning surplus food into family meals and practical solutions that support local communities.
“The Produce Moms supports the view that food is too valuable to waste, which complements our mission to ensure fruits and vegetables belong on every table,” says Lori Taylor, founder and CEO of The Produce Moms. “As a participant in the EPA’s Feed It Onward initiative, we’re honored to help tell the stories of innovators, farmers and community leaders who are proving that common-sense solutions can reduce food waste, save families money and strengthen our food system.”
According to EPA’s 2025 report, “Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to Consumers,” more than one-third of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten and often ends up in landfills, the largest single component of landfill materials. The report estimates the cost of food waste to each U.S. consumer, the price paid for food (edible parts only) that is not eaten, to be $728 per year, or $14 per week. For a household of four (scaling proportionally to the per capita estimate), the estimated annual cost of food waste is $2,913, with a weekly cost of $56. This represents approximately 11% of an American consumer’s food expenditures (both within and outside of the home), based on the USDA’s Food Expenditure Series.
“Feed It Onward is about showcasing solutions, like those championed by The Produce Moms, that are already making a difference and expanding their impact nationwide,” says Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator. “As I’ve traveled across the country and met with partners in communities large and small, I’ve seen firsthand the pride people take in stepping up and making a difference locally. That spirit of innovation, responsibility and community leadership makes this country strong, and it’s exactly the kind of momentum we need more of across America.”
