Food waste is one of the biggest challenges in our food system—38% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, and in Oregon, 71% of the waste generated by households could have been eaten.

In the Rogue Valley, community groups, haulers, and small businesses are working together to reduce waste, keep compost local, and ensure surplus food feeds people—not landfills. This spirit of collaboration is driving creative solutions across the region.

Barriers remain. Infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and high costs make it difficult to expand composting and food rescue efforts at the scale our region needs. At the same time, 26% of Rogue Valley residents report running out of food without money to buy more, underscoring the urgency of connecting surplus food with people who need it.

This working group is focused on preventing food waste, expanding food rescue, increasing access to composting, and building community-wide education around reducing waste. Together, we can transform food that would otherwise be lost into nourishment, resilience, and healthier soils for the future.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN A WORKING GROUP

Read the executive summary below to learn more!