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H 2455

An Act relative to the promotion of food donation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste and 7 co-sponsors

DPH must publish guidance on safe surplus-food donation, explain liability protections, train health officials, and run a statewide campaign to cut waste and boost donations.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2455

Summary of House Bill H.2455: An Act relative to the promotion of food donation

Overview

H.2455, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to promote food donation in Massachusetts by requiring the Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop and disseminate guidance to businesses on best practices for donating surplus food, along with information on liability protections. The bill also mandates educational activities for health officials and a statewide public outreach campaign to reduce food waste and encourage donation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Encourage and facilitate charitable food donation by clarifying and communicating best practices.
  • Inform businesses about liability protections at federal and state levels to reduce hesitancy to donate surplus food.
  • Highlight community benefits of donation, including reducing food waste and addressing hunger.
  • Support safe handling of donated food through guidance and education.

Key Provisions

1) DPH Guidance to Businesses
- The DPH must issue guidance to Massachusetts businesses on best practices for food donation.
- Guidance must review:
- State and federal liability protection laws related to food donation.
- Community benefits of donation (reducing waste and aiding those in need).
- Incentives for businesses to donate surplus food.
- Regulations for safe handling of donated food (federal, state, and local).
- Best practices for food donation.
- Types of food and produce that may be donated.
- Contact information for DPH staff regarding questions on donation practices and liability protections.

2) Distribution and Accessibility
- The Commissioner of DPH must determine how guidelines are distributed to establishments so they are easily accessible.
- Guidelines must be posted on the DPH website.
- Guidelines must be developed, distributed, and posted no later than six months after the act’s passage.

3) Educational Webinars for Health Officials
- DPH must conduct educational webinars for health agents and local boards of health on how to implement effective and safe food donation policies.
- The content and frequency are to be determined by the DPH Commissioner, but webinars must occur at least four times per calendar year.

4) Statewide Public Education Campaign
- DPH must develop and implement a statewide educational campaign targeting Massachusetts businesses and consumers.
- Campaign should teach the importance of reducing food waste and how participants can contribute.
- Campaign development and implementation must be completed no later than twelve months after the act’s passage.

Who/What is Affected

  • Massachusetts-based businesses engaged in or capable of donating surplus food.
  • Local and state health departments and health agents/boards of health.
  • DPH as the administering agency.
  • Massachusetts consumers and the broader public through outreach campaigns.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Referred to the Public Health Committee on February 27, 2025; Senate concurrence noted on the same date.
  • Hearing initially scheduled for September 10, 2025 (revised times: 10:00 AM–1:35 PM; new end time updated to reflect a revised hearing window).
  • Implementation deadlines:
    • Guidelines: within 6 months of passage.
    • Public education campaign: within 12 months of passage.
    • Webinars: minimum of 4 per calendar year, ongoing.

Related Legislation

  • HD 2237 (the House version that replaces the earlier filing).
  • Similar matter previously filed as House Bill 2201 in 2023-2024 session.

Potential Impact

  • Provides clear, centralized guidance to businesses on donating surplus food and understanding liability protections.
  • Encourages donation by clarifying legal protections and best practices, potentially reducing food waste.
  • Builds capacity within local health departments to support and monitor safe donation programs.
  • Promotes public awareness about food waste reduction and charitable giving.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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