URBANA, Ill. — From farm to table to trash can, what happens to food is bigger than leftovers. Producing food uses valuable resources like water and fuel, and when uneaten food ends up in landfills, it contributes to financial losses, social inequity, and environmental harm. Illinois households are invited to be part of the food waste solution by taking a short survey about meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and what happens to food at home.

Research shows that one-third of the U.S. food supply was not purchased or eaten in 2023. Some of that surplus food is donated or recycled, but most becomes food waste that is thrown out.

University of Illinois Extension Environmental Quality Specialist Ashley Belle said that in 2024, 436,500 tons of food waste from Illinois homes ended up in landfills, where the organic material produced a substantial amount of the greenhouse gas methane. At the same time, one in eight people in Illinois face hunger.

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“When it comes to reducing food waste, everyone can help,” said Belle. “With this survey, we hope to get a better understanding of food use at home to then create local programs that support cost savings, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.”

The survey is open to adults in Illinois who are regularly involved in household food shopping, meal planning, cooking, or kitchen cleanup. Participants are invited to share what works well for their household and what is challenging. Take the 10-minute survey online at go.illinois.edu/FoodWasteSurvey.

The survey results will help guide local food waste prevention education provided by Illinois Extension. The survey is part of a multi-state research initiative led by Ohio State University and is provided in partnership with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, a division of the Prairie Research Institute.

If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Ashley Belle at abelle@illinois.edu or 217-300-6867.