The emissions tied to avoidable food waste in Canada amount to 25.69 million metric tonnes of CO₂e each year, and the emissions from total food waste reach 77.65 million tonnes. These figures highlight the environmental cost of wasted food, which generates harmful greenhouse gases during its production, transportation, and eventual decomposition in landfills. Beyond emissions, the report also highlights the “virtual water footprint” of food waste. This term refers to the water used to produce food that goes to waste. The virtual water footprint of avoidable food waste is estimated at 13,314 million cubic meters annually. Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s also a significant economic one. The 2024 report estimates the value of avoidable food waste at $58 billion annually. This figure is conservative, given that food sold in hotels, restaurants, and institutions (HRI) is typically priced higher than in retail.
The updated Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste report shows that while Canada has made progress in reducing total food waste, avoidable food waste remains a persistent and growing issue. As inflation continues to affect consumer behavior and businesses adjust to new economic realities, tackling food waste will require even more concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Addressing the role of date coding, improving consumer education on food safety, and expanding government and industry initiatives are critical steps to reduce avoidable food waste.