Rep. Nuccio Supports Supermarket Food Donation Study
HARTFORD – State Representative Tammy Nuccio (R-53) voted in favor of HB 5146 “An Act Concerning Food Donation.” With the goal of assisting hungry or food insecure Connecticut residents, the legislation passed unanimously to study the issue and identify ways to encourage donations to food relief organizations.
If enacted, the legislation will ease regulations on food donations and 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.”
“This bill will help our state address both food insecurity and food waste,” said Rep. Nuccio. “Organizations like Foodshare and local food banks do tremendous work supporting those in need in our communities. Streamlining the process and creating a uniform policy for grocery stores to donate food would be a great benefit to relief organizations alleviate hunger.”
During the committee process, the bill received support from many food service organizations throughout the state, including Connecticut Foodshare, 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.”
The measure now moves to the State Senate and awaits action prior to midnight on Wednesday, May 4th when the legislature adjourns. The bill can be tracked using the General Assembly website www.cga.ct.gov.