Encouraging Food Donations During This Difficult Economic Climate

Act will Assist People in Need and Build Relationships Between Food Providers & Charitable Organizations

(Albany, NY) Senator Diane J. Savino announced today that the State Senate passed legislation (S6303) which will encourage food service industries to donate food to charitable organizations. Many of these organizations have been overwhelmed by increased demand given the economic crisis, and this bill will foster mutually beneficial relationships by providing restaurants with protections from criminal and civil liabilities.  
Senator Savino has been a leader in the effort to pass the “Restaurants Lending a Helping Hand Act” because approximately one-quarter of all food served in restaurants is thrown away solely because, though fresh, restaurants fear possible liability in the unlikely event of sickness.

The amount of food thrown away could help feed nearly 49 million people nationally who desperately need such help.  

“More people need assistance than ever and our charities are overwhelmed and underfunded. This bill encourages food service providers to donate more often,” said Senator Savino.  “Many restaurants already donate leftover food and, unsurprisingly, it is safe and feeds needy families. We’re removing an unnecessary impediment to donation.”

This bill maintains that donors must comply with laws regulating the health or sanitation of food, such as public health codes.

For more information on the New York Restaurant Lending a Helping Hand Act and encouraging restaurants to donate their food to communities, contact Senator Savino at 718-727-9406.
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