JUDY WOODRUFF:

Next, we launch an occasional series we are calling Food, Glorious food, reports about what we eat, how our food is grown, and the economics of putting a meal on the table.

Tonight, we begin with food waste. Much of what is grown on American farms never gets to market.

Allison Aubrey of National Public Radio has our report. This story is part of the NewsHour's ongoing collaboration with NPR.