Bill Encourages Individuals, Businesses To Donate Food

A proposed law aimed at encouraging food donations was approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday evening. If passed, the law would broadly extend protections for those making donations to food banks.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Alex Marszalkowski’s (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland), a farmer who is focused on reducing food waste.

"I’m very interested in solving the problems in the food stream that result in good food getting thrown away while people are going hungry in the same community. This kind of waste is senseless and harmful, but is often compelled by regulations about food safety and by the potential for litigation," Rep. Marszalkowski said. "This bill will help to eliminate the roadblocks while maintaining safety, and help businesses and organizations get excess food to people in need, instead of dumping it in the landfill."

A major roadblock to food donation is the fear of liability should someone become ill after eating it. Under the legislation, individuals and businesses would be protected in all cases except for gross negligence or intentional tampering. In addition, donated food past its expiration date would be protected after the food pantry makes a "good faith" decision that it is still safe to eat.

The final measure of the bill calls for a public information campaign from food safety inspectors to teach businesses and the public about the new protections and hopefully encourage a higher volume of food donation.

The bill now heads to the Senate.