The majority of food wasted in the US is at the level of the consumer, resulting in approximately 90 billion pounds of food wasted per year. This represents both a loss of nutrients available in the food, as well as a waste of environmental resources and energy that have gone into the production, shipping and storage of food that is never consumed. Recent research has identified that lower food access seems to actually result in higher levels of food waste. Using surveys, we have explored the self-reported shopping experiences and food waste for consumers of both average and low income. The goal of our research in this area is to conduct formative research with consumers to develop appropriate and impactful messages to reduce consumer food waste.