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PS 569

“Para establecer la “Ley de Alimentos para el Pueblo”, a los fines de prohibir el desperdicio de alimentos y fomentar la donación solidaria desde los supermercados a organizaciones sin fines de lucro dedicadas a combatir el hambre en Puerto Rico; para disponer sobre el proceso de disposición de excedentes y demás reglamentaciones; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill mandates supermarket food donations to nonprofits to combat hunger and waste, but faces retailer resistance over liability and operational costs.

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Bill Summary · PS 569

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 569 establishes the "Food for the People Law" in Puerto Rico, requiring supermarkets to donate excess food to non-profit organizations fighting hunger rather than discarding it. The bill creates regulations for food surplus disposition and establishes procedures for coordinating donations between retailers and charitable organizations.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico faces significant food insecurity and hunger issues, while supermarkets regularly dispose of edible surplus food. This legislation attempts to address both problems simultaneously by creating a mechanism to redirect wasted food to vulnerable populations, potentially reducing both food waste and hunger-related hardship.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability concerns: Supermarkets may resist the mandate due to fears about legal liability if donated food causes illness, despite typical "Good Samaritan" protections
  • Operational costs: Retailers argue that implementing donation infrastructure (collection, storage, transportation) creates expenses that could be passed to consumers
  • Spoilage and food safety standards: Determining which foods are safe to donate versus discard requires clear standards that may be difficult or costly to implement and verify
  • Feasibility of logistics: Coordinating timely pickups between multiple supermarkets and nonprofits requires robust infrastructure that may not exist in all Puerto Rico regions

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

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