Food Waste and Costs Climb After July Fourth Cookouts

With Independence Day in the rearview mirror, it’s worth looking at the scale—and cost—of what was likely left behind on the table. According to ReFED, Americans were expected to waste about 126 million pounds of food during this year’s Fourth of July celebrations—roughly 20% of what was prepared, based on estimates tied to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 market basket survey.

That level of waste isn’t new, but the cost is rising. This year’s cookouts were projected to be the most expensive yet, with average food prices up more than 4%. Staples like chicken, tomatoes, ice cream, and especially beef have all climbed—fueled by seasonal demand and supply chain pressure.

Beef remains a grill favorite and one of the most expensive, with prices pushed higher by a shrinking U.S. cattle herd and new tariffs on Brazilian imports.

The estimates come from ReFED, a U.S.-based nonprofit working to drive evidence-based action to stop food waste. With over a third of waste happening at home, simple steps like planning meals and saving leftovers can make a difference.