Legislation to reduce food waste
Keep posted to pingree.house.gov/foodwaste for updates on Congresswoman Pingree's legislation.
The United States wastes a staggering amount of food, resulting in environmental problems, billions in economic costs, and a lost opportunity to help feed the 50 million Americans who are food insecure. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has now introduced two pieces of legislation to address this program--HR 4184, the Food Recovery Act, and the Food Date Labeling Act.
- HR 4184, the Food Recovery Act takes comprehensive steps to reduce food waste on the farm, in stores, institutions, and at home. Bill Summary | Bill Text | Bill Status
- The Food Date Labeling Act aims to make food date labels more consistent and less confusing, so less food is needlessly thrown out. More information here.
More on Legislation to reduce food waste
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree applauded guidance the USDA released yesterday encouraging manufacturers to use a “Best if used by” date label.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree testified before the House Agriculture Committee today to kick off the first-ever Congressional hearing focused on the problem of food waste in the United States.
"When good food goes to waste on the farm, it means the resources used to grow that food—fuel, labor and water—is also wasted. When it goes to waste in a local restaurant it means less revenue for the owner. And wherever and whenever food is wasted, it means less food for the 50 million Americans who are food insecure," Pingree told the committee.
Loan program will help farmers buy refrigerated trucks, storage and processing facilities, thanks to legislation written by Pingree
A tax break that Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says will reduce food waste passed the House today as part of a larger package of tax provisions. The provision creates a permanent, "enhanced" tax deduction for grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers who donate excess food to organizations like food banks and soup kitchens.
The provision, which is part of Pingree's Food Recovery Act, was originally introduced in a bill written by Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).
UPDATE: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after being contacted by Shaw’s Supermarkets.