Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

With the cost of food continuing to rise, and a global trade war threatening to put even more pressure on our nation’s food systems, efforts to reduce food waste are more important than ever.

Since joining Congress in 2009, Chellie Pingree has been a steadfast champion for food-waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, and food systems that work for farmers and consumers alike.

During her remarks, the Congresswoman will discuss her journey from organic farmer on the small island of North Haven to advocating for Maine’s small farmers in Washington; her extensive work on the issue of food waste; the challenges posed by the current Administration; and her ongoing efforts to make reducing food waste not just a bipartisan issue, but a national priority.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree represents Maine’s 1st District. In Congress, Chellie relies on her experience as a certified organic farmer to support the diverse range of American agriculture, including sustainable, organic, and locally focused farming. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, she has been a vocal advocate for food policy reform.

Pingree has pioneered legislation to reduce food loss and waste across the American food system and is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus alongside Rep. Newhouse. She is the author of the No Time to Waste Act, the Food Date Labeling Act, the School Food Recovery Act, and the Agriculture Resilience Act, bills that aim to reduce food loss and waste.