CAVA becomes a member of the U.S. Food Waste Pact

CAVA has officially become a participant in the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a collaborative effort led by ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund that seeks to minimize food waste across the supply chain. The restaurant chain joins 27 other organizations and food companies that have endorsed the pacts voluntary framework, which emphasizes the Target, Measure, Act approach to encourage industry-wide initiatives against food waste.

According to ReFED, nearly one-third of all food produced in the United States is never consumed or sold, with most of it ending up in landfills, incinerators, or sewer systems. In the quick-service sector alone, this surplus equates to over 4 billion meals annually, representing a value of close to $30 billion.

Jenny Roberts, CAVAs senior director of sourcing and sustainability, highlighted the companys dedication: Joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact strengthens our mission to deliver heart, health, and humanity through food. We are actively implementing programs to donate food and test waste management solutions, and this collaboration allows us to share knowledge with industry peers, enhance our efforts, and introduce new initiatives to reduce waste both in our restaurants and across the broader food system.

In 2024, CAVA contributed nearly 43,000 meals to local communities through its food donation program, which channels food prepared during employee training at new locations to nearby food banks. Additionally, CAVA has sponsored the ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit, promoting discussion and collaboration among food system experts.

Jackie Suggitt, vice president of business initiatives and community engagement at ReFED, commented, We welcome CAVA to the U.S. Food Waste Pact. Their commitment to reducing waste and providing food to those in need will make them a strong participant in developing innovative solutions, inspiring others in the industry to tackle food waste.

Other notable participants include Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Wawa, Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Whole Foods Market, Del Monte, Lamb Weston, and the Food Industry Association. The pact aims to halve food waste by 2030.

Recent research from Purdue University indicates a rise in food insecurity in the United States, with roughly 14% of households experiencing food shortages in 2025, up from 12.5% in the previous year.

Analysis: CAVA's Commitment to Reducing Food Waste and Supporting Community Needs

CAVA's recent participation in the U.S. Food Waste Pact marks a significant step in the restaurant chain's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As part of the pact, which encourages the "Target, Measure, Act" approach, CAVA joins a growing list of industry leaders working to address food waste, a pervasive issue that contributes to environmental damage and economic inefficiency. By aligning with ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund, CAVA not only strengthens its sustainability initiatives but also fosters collaboration within the broader food industry.

The statistics around food waste are staggering. Nearly one-third of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten, with much of it discarded into landfills or incinerators. This waste represents a $30 billion loss annually in the quick-service sector alone. The company's decision to join the pact, alongside major players like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Walmart, highlights the growing urgency to tackle this problem at all levels of the food supply chain. CAVA's efforts, including donating over 43,000 meals in 2024, demonstrate that businesses in the food industry can make a measurable difference when they commit to change.

The practical measures CAVA is implementing, such as testing waste management solutions and collaborating with food banks, show that reducing food waste is not just about reducing environmental impact but also about serving communities in need. Their approach is a model for other businesses, showcasing how sustainability initiatives can be aligned with corporate social responsibility goals.

However, food waste is just one part of a much larger issue: food insecurity. With recent studies from Purdue University showing an increase in food insecurity rates, it is clear that efforts to reduce waste should go hand-in-hand with strategies to ensure food reaches those who need it most. CAVA's food donation program is a step in the right direction, and as more companies follow suit, the broader impact could help mitigate some of the growing challenges around food access in the U.S.

In conclusion, CAVA's participation in the U.S. Food Waste Pact is a clear signal that the company is prioritizing sustainability and community engagement. By joining forces with other food industry giants, CAVA has not only reinforced its commitment to reducing food waste but has also contributed to the broader conversation about food insecurity. As the pact aims to halve food waste by 2030, this collaborative effort could lead to innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and society.

Sources:

• CAVA joins U.S. Food Waste Pact