US to Waste 267 Million Meals This Thanksgiving
According to food systems think tank ReFED, around 320 million pounds of food are expected to be wasted during this year's Thanksgiving, an increase from 316 million pounds in 2024. The loss is valued at approximately $550 million in retail terms, representing about 267 million meals that could have served people in need.
This level of food waste comes as many Americans face ongoing food insecurity and sustained price inflation. As of September 2025, food prices were 18.2% higher than in January 2022. The uncertain status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) further compounds the issue—federal judges have mandated that the Trump administration maintain SNAP payments through emergency funds, yet the government shutdown threatens payment delays for millions.
“Food waste at a time of elevated prices highlights inefficiencies throughout the supply chain, from overproduction to household behavior,” notes ReFED.
ReFED’s analysis primarily focuses on food waste generated in households, though the broader inefficiencies reflect system-wide challenges for both producers and consumers, with significant environmental and financial consequences.
Key Insights
- 40% of total holiday food waste comes from turkey.
- 12% of hosts admit they won’t handle leftovers properly.
- 50% of participants are not concerned about food waste.
- 45% plan to send guests home with leftover meals.
Summary
ReFED warns that this year’s Thanksgiving will see record food waste amid high prices and economic tension, exposing inefficiencies across the American food chain.