Rep. Newhouse Joins Rep. Fudge to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Food Donation Nationwide

Press Release

Today, Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and James P. McGovern (D-MA) introduced The Food Donation Act of 2017. The bill clarifies and enhances coverage under The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (Emerson Act) which promotes food donation by protecting food donors and food recovery organizations.

"The law should never discourage people from taking action to help their neighbor," said Congressman Newhouse. "The Food Donation Act will provide clarity and protections to farmers, retailers, and non-profits seeking in good faith to assist the hungry. These important reforms will reduce waste of safe and perfectly good food that could be used to help people."

"Food insecurity is an urgent problem in our nation, but there are businesses and organizations trying to help." said Congresswoman Fudge. "The Food Donation Act supports them by increasing liability protections and creating new ways to donate while eliminating food waste. This bill goes a long way in helping to feed families in need."

"Fifty million Americans don't have enough to eat, but I am hopeful that innovative donation models can get more healthy, safe food to hungry people. This legislation takes common-sense and overdue steps to address food insecurity. By easing liability fears, businesses will be able to donate more food that is safe and perfectly good to eat." said Congresswoman Pingree.

"America is the richest country in the world, but 40 percent of the food we produce goes uneaten. This is astounding. We must work harder to stop this waste and make sure this perfectly good food is put to good use by helping to feed the millions of American families who struggle with hunger every year," said Congressman McGovern, Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee. "I'm proud to join my friends Marcia Fudge, Chellie Pingree, and Dan Newhouse in this bipartisan effort to update and strengthen the Emerson Good Samaritan Act, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to make further progress on reducing food waste during consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill."

Nationwide, food insecurity, or the percentage of households who are uncertain they are able acquire enough food, is 13.7 percent.