Food waste has emerged as a key governance challenge in many cities, as the scale of waste has concerned stakeholders across the food system. While food waste is often analyzed at the consumption level, food is lost across all stages in the food system. In addition, a range of global, national, regional, and urban institutions influence how people consume and waste food at the local level. To understand the challenges associated with food waste governance, this paper examines Dayton, Ohio, as a case study. In particular, this research analyzes interview data of key stakeholders and survey data of city residents to understand the causes of food waste, food purchasing patterns, roles of different institutions in food waste governance, and perspectives on solutions to food waste. The results of this research suggest that broader shifts in thinking may be needed to build more effective and just urban food waste policies.