The Shocking Truth About Produce Waste In America & Fixing The Broken Food Supply Chain Ft. Melissa Ackerman of Planet Harvest - The Skinny Confidential Him And Her Show Recap

Podcast: The Skinny Confidential Him And Her Show

Published: 2026-03-06

Duration: 49 min

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Ackerman sheds light on the staggering amount of food waste in America, particularly in produce, and discusses how her company, Planet Harvest, aims to reshape the food supply chain to reduce this waste and support farmers.

What Happened

Melissa Ackerman, the founder and CEO of Planet Harvest, reveals shocking statistics about the American produce industry. She points out that 30% of produce is left unharvested in the fields simply because it doesn't meet the aesthetic standards set by grocery stores. For instance, around 400 million pounds of strawberries are discarded each year due to size discrepancies, raising questions about the disconnect between food shortages and the surplus that is left to rot. This disparity was a significant motivator for Melissa to start Planet Harvest, aiming to bridge the gap between excess produce and those in need.

During the discussion, Melissa elaborates on the complexities of the food supply chain, explaining that farmers often leave produce unpicked based on grocery store requirements. She emphasizes the need for a coherent system to redistribute this excess food to food banks and communities in need. The romanticized view of farming that many hold is contrasted with the harsh realities of large-scale agricultural production, where profit and efficiency often overshadow the appreciation of the hard work farmers put into their crops. Melissa's insights challenge listeners to reconsider their grocery shopping habits and the importance of supporting local farmers while embracing produce that may not meet traditional cosmetic standards.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What percentage of produce in America is wasted?

Melissa highlighted that a staggering 30% of produce is grown but left in the fields, primarily because it does not meet the size and aesthetic standards set by grocery stores. This results in massive food waste, with approximately 400 million pounds of strawberries discarded annually, despite their quality and taste being perfectly acceptable.

How does the supply chain affect food waste?

Melissa explained that the supply chain's inefficiencies are a significant barrier to redistributing excess produce. Farmers often can't get unpicked produce to food banks due to logistical challenges, and this disconnect between food availability and community needs exacerbates food insecurity.

What role do consumer expectations play in produce waste?

Consumers tend to prefer produce that is uniform in size and appearance, leading to the rejection of perfectly good fruits and vegetables that do not meet these standards. Melissa pointed out that this creates a cycle where farmers leave non-conforming produce in the fields, further increasing waste.

How can we change consumer behavior regarding produce purchasing?

Melissa advocates for raising awareness about the importance of buying produce that may not look perfect. By shifting consumer expectations to embrace a variety of sizes and appearances, we can reduce waste and support farmers, similar to practices seen in European markets.

Is food waste a global issue?

Yes, food waste is a global problem, but each country has its unique challenges. Melissa mentioned that they are working with the World Wildlife Fund on a tool to measure global food loss, indicating that while the issue is widespread, understanding local contexts is crucial for effective solutions.