SUMMARY
Because, there is quite frankly, NO REASON for any person to go hungry in America.
Zero Waste Policy Proposal
This policy aims to reduce food waste by allowing bakeries, restaurants, and other food establishments to donate unsold but safe-to-eat food past its expiration date to local community kitchens, shelters, and food banks. By relaxing certain food safety regulations and providing liability protections, businesses can more easily contribute to food security efforts while cutting down on waste and environmental impact. This would promote sustainability and support underserved communities with access to fresh, consumable food.
PROPOSAL
Objective:
To implement a federally mandated Zero Waste Policy aimed at reducing food waste by enabling bakeries, restaurants, and food retailers to safely donate unsold yet consumable food to local community kitchens, shelters, and food banks. This policy would remove regulatory barriers that prevent the donation of food based solely on expiration dates, despite food still being safe for consumption.
BACKGROUND
Each year, an estimated 40% of food produced in the United States is wasted. Much of this waste occurs at food establishments where edible, surplus food is disposed of due to stringent safety regulations tied to arbitrary expiration dates, leading to both financial and environmental costs. However, scientific evidence suggests that many foods remain safe for consumption beyond labeled expiration dates, provided they are handled and stored properly.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
The Zero Waste Policy would provide clear, science-based guidelines for food donation and storage, enabling the donation of surplus food with extended safe consumption periods. Key policy elements include:
- Deregulation for Donated Foods: Relaxing current food safety regulations to allow for the donation of food items past “sell-by” dates but deemed safe for consumption by local health authorities.
- Liability Protection: Expanding protections for food donors under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to cover food donated after expiration dates, incentivizing more businesses to participate.
- Community Partnership: Establishing partnerships between food establishments and local community organizations to ensure the efficient and safe redistribution of surplus food.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The Zero Waste Policy aims to:
- Decrease food waste and reduce landfill usage, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Strengthen food security for underserved populations by redirecting excess food to those in need.
- Provide cost savings for food establishments that can donate rather than dispose of surplus food.
Conclusion:
A Zero Waste Policy not only addresses environmental and food security issues but also fosters a more sustainable food system by allowing businesses to contribute to their communities effectively. By adjusting food safety regulations around expiration dates, we can make substantial progress toward a more equitable and efficient use of our food resources.
