West Haven Takes Giant Step To Tackle Food Insecurity With New Policy

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From City of West Haven): Mayor Dorinda Borer has announced a new ordinance requiring all city departments to donate eligible surplus food to local assistance programs.

The new policy establishes direct compliance with the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act while providing vital support to West Haven residents facing hunger.

Subscribe

Borer said the resolution aims to capture edible food that would otherwise go to waste in city-run facilities.

"This resolution will greatly assist in the alleviation of food insecurity affecting a significant number of residents, including children, seniors, veterans and families who rely on community-based food assistance programs," the mayor said.

Councilman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-10, added: "I am proud to partner with Mayor Borer on this resolution to continue to help address food insecurity in our community by having city departments donate surplus food to local food banks and nonprofits. No one should go hungry while good food is being thrown away. We have a responsibility to care for all members of our community, and that means doing everything we can to reduce waste and help those in need."

By adopting the resolution, West Haven aligns its municipal operations with federal standards established in 1996.

The Emerson Good Samaritan law was enacted to reduce food waste and protect donors from lawsuits if good faith donations accidentally cause harm.

As a state representative, Borer championed measures to address food insecurity, including creating a Food Policy Council that brings together organizations from across West Haven to identify and close the gaps in providing food to those in need. As a result, the organizations are now coordinated on what, how and when meals are provided in the community.

Borer said the city's resolution removes the last legal barriers for municipal departments to safely give away surplus food, strengthening public health and contributing to a more resilient and compassionate food system in West Haven.

"Establishing a consistent and coordinated food donation policy across all city departments will improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in our efforts to address food insecurity," the mayor said.

Under the city's food donation requirement, "All departments, offices, commissions, and entities under the jurisdiction of the City of West Haven that produce, purchase, prepare, or manage food as part of their operations shall, whenever feasible, donate surplus wholesome food to qualified community organizations assisting West Haven residents experiencing food insecurity."

Food eligible for donation includes any surplus food that is safe and fit for human consumption at the time of donation, is properly handled and stored according to applicable safety standards, and is free from contamination or spoilage.

Under the resolution, each department will identify surplus food for donation, coordinate with approved partner agencies for pickup or delivery, maintain internal records of donations, and provide staff members with guidance on food handling and donation procedures.

Approved partner organizations include nonprofits, food rescue groups, food pantries, shelters, community centers and any other qualified entities tackling food insecurity in West Haven.