WASHINGTON – This week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy announced the United States' first-ever national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50% reduction by 2030.

The federal government is planning to lead a new partnership with charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, the private sector and local, state and tribal governments to reduce food loss and waste to improve overall food security and conserve natural resources.

USA Today reports that the joint USDA/EPA announcement is intended to educate consumers about food date labels and safe food storage, as well as partnerships with food companies to address food insecurity and reduce the 133 billion pounds of food that go to landfills.

According to the agencies, the average American family of four throws away an estimated $1,500 worth of food every year, and overall, retailers and consumers waste nearly a third of the country's food supply. Furthermore, 14% of U.S. households are considered food insecure, as in they don't have enough food to sufficiently feed themselves.

An array of food industry representatives applauded the announcement of the first national standards for food waste reduction.

“As a global food company, Kellogg believes we have a significant role to play in helping to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture,” said Kris Charles, vice president of the Kellogg Company.

Jason Wadsworth, sustainability manager at Wegmans Food Markets, commented: "Food waste is a critical issue facing food retailers. Recognizing food recovery as an important approach to addressing hunger, protecting our natural resources, and minimizing costs, we applaud the establishment of a national goal for food waste reduction.”