Purdue University launching effort to reduce food waste

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University this week is launching an effort to reduce food waste with a focus on developing countries.

The school says it will formally start the Purdue Postharvest Initiative with an exhibit at the World Food Prize meeting that starts Wednesday and runs through Friday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Purdue says it will work on reducing postharvest loss, improving nutrition and helping food entrepreneurs among other efforts. Those include the Purdue Improved Crop Storage project and its Food Processing Innovation Lab.

Purdue officials say the school will look for other projects and funding in postharvest loss reduction.

Purdue partners on the effort with USAID, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, private foundations and others.