Top: Image courtesy City of Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has partnered with the City of Columbus (OH) to pilot a consumer-focused food waste reduction campaign, with the city serving as the first test site for the initiative. The campaign kicks off in early 2025 and is part of a larger $2.5 million USDA-funded initiative that will test different food waste reduction strategies in three cities across the United States. The findings will inform a broader national campaign to help curb food loss and waste. The partnership includes collaboration with Rutgers University, which will help develop educational materials and a community of practice for organizations interested in food waste reduction. The campaign will evaluate existing food waste reduction strategies, identify best practices, and develop a blueprint for other cities to follow. The team will also work closely with community organizations and stakeholders to ensure the campaign’s messages resonate with Columbus residents. Data will be collected in areas that receive the campaign materials and in areas that do not, providing a clear picture of what strategies work best. Researchers will conduct three measurements during the campaign — one baseline assessment and two follow-ups after distributing campaign materials — to compare control routes with treatment routes.