Wasted! The Story of Food Waste (2017)

"Wasted! The Story of Food Waste" takes us on an eye-opening journey through the alarming reality of food waste, a global issue with economic, environmental, and humanitarian implications. This compelling narrative elucidates that an astonishing forty percent of food intended for human consumption in the US ends up discarded, a grave statistic that not only symbolizes a $1 trillion annual wastage but also starkly contrasts with the persistent worldwide struggle against hunger. The film ingeniously illuminates this issue through the lens of celebrated chefs and food activists who passionately challenge the conventional concept of waste. They expose the inefficiencies along the entire food chain, from production and distribution, to storage and consumption, culminating in disposal. The narrative underscores the alarming revelation that a significant fraction of food, like the underutilized eighty percent of a cauliflower plant, is mindlessly cast away when it could instead nourish humans. At the heart of this narrative is the Environmental Protection Agency's food pyramid, which sets forth an ideal priority for food produced: consumption by humans, use as animal feed, conversion into energy, and lastly, disposal. These champions of change take us through inventive measures undertaken by individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to this hierarchy, transforming what is commonly perceived as scraps into delicious, creative dishes. This not only challenges our understanding of waste but also provides a blueprint for a more sustainable and secure food system. "Wasted!" is not just a film about the problem but also the potential solutions, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in joining the fight against food waste. It offers a hopeful message: that through mindful consumption and innovative thinking, we can turn the tide on food waste, mitigate its environmental impact, and take a step closer to eradicating hunger.

Wasted! The Story of Food Waste is a documentary movie featuring Anthony Bourdain and directed by Nari Kye.

Wasted! The Story of Food Waste is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hulu.

It is also possible to buy Wasted! The Story of Food Waste on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.