Bill
S 2909
Overview: S 2909, Authorizes voluntary donation of expired food or food waste to farmers; authorizes donations if farmer waives liability, Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Sen
Overview: S 2909, Authorizes voluntary donation of expired food or food waste to farmers; authorizes donations if farmer waives liability, Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee, Introduced on September 18, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to reduce food waste by encouraging the donation of expired or surplus food to farmers. The legislation would provide legal protections for donors and facilitate the distribution of this food to farmers, who could then use it as animal feed or compost.
Key Provisions:
- Authorizes the voluntary donation of expired food or food waste to farmers
- Protects donors from civil or criminal liability for donating such food, as long as the farmer waives any liability
- Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop guidelines for the safe handling and distribution of donated food
- Establishes a grant program to support the infrastructure and logistics needed for food donation programs
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would primarily benefit food producers, retailers, and consumers by providing a legal and logistical framework for donating expired or surplus food. Farmers would also benefit by gaining access to additional sources of animal feed and compost, reducing their costs and waste. Overall, the bill could help reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills or being destroyed.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee for further consideration. If passed, the new donation program and liability protections would be implemented within one year of the bill's enactment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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