HARTFORD – Working to find ways to assist hungry or food insecure Connecticut residents, State Representative Charles Ferraro (R-117) today joined his colleagues to unanimously pass amended legislation to study the issue and identify ways to encourage donations to food relief organizations.
As amended, HB 5146 – An Act Concerning Food Donation – will establish a task force to study “examine, and make recommendations concerning, establishing a supermarket food donation program in this state that (1) alleviates hunger, reduces food waste and supports the operations of food relief organizations … and (2) ensures that all food donated as part of such program is safe and fit for human consumption.”
“I cherish when the legislature is able to address the needs of so many residents facing food insecurity across Connecticut,” Rep. Ferraro, a cosponsor of the bill said. “By investing in this research to combat hunger, we will be able to find more practical solutions to address this grave concern in our state and encourage broad participation from our local supermarkets and food vendors.”
During the committee process, the bill received support from many food service organizations throughout the state, including Connecticut Foodshare, Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church and former State Representative and current First Selectman of Greenwich Fred Camillo, who wrote, “While making sure those who may be having trouble affording the basic necessities in life is always the right thing to do, the current high inflation environment is adding to an already high cost of living here in our state making such an endeavor even more needed.”
“I’m encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for this measure and look forward to reading the task force recommendations and seeing them put into practice to further help the people of Connecticut,” Rep. Ferraro said.
The measure now moves to the State Senate and awaits action prior to midnight on Wednesday, May 4th when the legislature adjourns.