Members of the General Synod backed a motion on Friday outlining ways retailers and Church of England members can attempt to tackle food poverty in Britain.
The motion calls for the Government to consider steps to reduce waste in the food supply chain. It also urges parishes to help lobby retailers on food waste and stressed the need for church members to reduce waste in their own homes.
Presenting the motion, the Rev Andrew Dotchin from the Diocese of St Edmundsbury said: "The figures on food waste in our nation are horrible and rehearsing them will not make them any more attractive."
Although there is no official measure of food poverty in the UK, a recent United Nations survey found that in 2014, an estimated 8.4 million people in the UK were living in households with insufficient food.
Rev Dotchin added: "We must work not only with shops and the supply chain – and our thanks and support go to retailers who have already made a commitment to reducing food waste – but also work alongside the many charities and community groups who, with us, treasure the world and its people."
Christian humanitarian charity Tearfund, which has been running a campaign urging shoppers and supermarkets to reduce the amount of food they waste, has welcomed the motion.
Tearfund senior campaigner Clare Lyons said: "We're delighted that Synod has shown that, like Jesus, the Church cares about food waste.
"Food waste is a serious issue that is finally getting the attention it deserves. But an often neglected aspect of the debate is the direct impact on people living in poverty overseas.
"UK food waste fuels climate change, with our food waste responsible for 20 million tonnes worth of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Tearfund sees first-hand the impact of climate change on people in poverty - who are experiencing more floods, drought and less reliable rain - leaving them struggling to feed themselves."
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