US Will Waste 267 Million Meals This Thanksgiving: ReFED
According to the food systems think tank ReFED, around 320 million pounds of food are expected to be wasted during this year’s Thanksgiving. This marks a slight increase from 316 million pounds in 2024. The discarded food represents approximately $550 million in retail value.
ReFED estimates that this volume of wasted food equates to about 267 million meals that could have gone to people in need. The figures come amid ongoing food insecurity and rising price inflation across the US, reflecting continued pressure on both consumers and producers.
Food prices as of September 2025 are roughly 18.2% higher than they were in January 2022. The uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may worsen the impact. Federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to keep SNAP payments flowing through emergency funds, but the ongoing government shutdown poses a risk of delays for millions of recipients.
“The lost food represents about $550 million in retail value.” — ReFED
Consumer Behavior and Supply Chain Waste
While ReFED’s analysis focuses mainly on food waste generated in homes, the rising levels of waste during a period of high food prices highlight inefficiencies throughout the supply chain—from overproduction to consumption patterns. These inefficiencies carry both financial and environmental consequences.
- 40% of total holiday food waste comes from turkey
- 12% of hosts say they will not manage leftovers
- 50% are not concerned about waste
- 45% plan to send guests home with leftovers
ReFED’s Broader Message
The organization’s findings emphasize how consumer habits remain the main driver of holiday food waste, underscoring the need for awareness and systemic change across households and the food industry alike.
Author’s summary: Rising Thanksgiving food waste—267 million meals and $550 million in losses—shows persistent inefficiencies despite economic pressure and high food prices in the US.