Verra has registered the first project under its VM0046 methodology for food loss and waste in the United States. The Brightly Reducing Food Loss and Waste Project rescues edible surplus food and redirects it to nonprofit food rescue organizations instead of sending it to landfills. This approach cuts methane emissions from decomposing food and supports food security. Food loss and waste account for 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN. Around 1.05 billion tons of food were wasted in 2022 while millions faced hunger. The new methodology lets project developers generate carbon credits by documenting avoided emissions from food rescue, creating a financial incentive to reduce waste. The first registered project under VM0046 shows how carbon markets can address both climate goals and social needs. If the methodology gains traction, it could unlock a new category of credits tied to food systems, which have been underrepresented in voluntary carbon markets so far.
