U.S. Congressman David Young recently focused his attention on combating a growing problem in the state of Iowa. Young introduced legislation earlier this month aimed at alleviating food waste. According to Young, 40% of edible products are lost along the supply chain. Young is currently working with Maine Representative Chellie Pingree (D) to advance legislation decreasing food waste.

Earlier this month, Young, Pingree, and several other representatives from different organizations and government bodies gathered for a round table discussion. Young describes those present at the round table. “We had a round table with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue. We had some great participants in the round table. Everybody from the food banks,  to farmers and producers, the farm bureau, the Harvard Food Law and Policy Center, the Food Recovery Network, Yum! Food Brands, Sodexo, a lot of different stakeholders.”

Young hopes to achieve some food waste regulations through the agricultural appropriations subcommittee and other agricultural based legislation.