New York expands food donation program to fight hunger and reduce waste

New York State is strengthening its food donation and recycling program to help feed low-income residents while combating food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2022, the initiative has successfully redirected 32 million pounds of food to those in need, and recently signed legislation will expand participation to more businesses and institutions.

Under the legislation, eligible food waste generators will be required to donate excess edible food and recycle food scraps if they are within 50 miles of an organic recycling facility, effectively doubling the previous distance limit of 25 miles. The expansion aims to increase both food donations and the recycling of food waste through composting and anaerobic digestion.

“No one in New York should be forced to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Expanding the state’s food donation and leftover food recycling law will expand access to food supplies and ensure families in need have the resources they deserve.” »

The program, supported by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Feeding New York State, reports that an average of two million pounds of food are donated each month. The expanded law is expected to further reduce landfill waste while helping to combat food insecurity.

DEC Acting Commissioner Sean Mahar praised the program’s success, highlighting its dual role in fighting hunger and reducing climate impacts. “Expanding the law will accelerate the program’s growth to bring more food to New Yorkers in need while strengthening our work implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,” Mahar said .

The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Peter Harckham and Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, will be phased in over the next three years to give recycling businesses and infrastructure time to adapt. Harckham highlighted the program’s broader impact. “By expanding this law, we are addressing sustainability and climate responsibility as well as the need to reduce waste in our landfills. »

Environmental advocates also support the expansion. Pat McClellan, political director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, noted that reducing food waste in landfills helps reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “This expansion is a missed opportunity turned into a success story to feed vulnerable New Yorkers,” McClellan said.

Jay Hawkins, executive director of Feeding New York State, highlighted the effectiveness of the program. “New York’s Food Donation and Recycling Law has enabled us to provide 37 million pounds of healthy food to food insecure New Yorkers. Expanding this law will allow us to make significant progress toward a hunger-free New York.

The initiative is part of New York’s broader climate agenda, which aims for an emissions-free economy by 2050 while promoting green jobs and investments. By expanding the food donation program, New York continues to align its fight against hunger with environmental sustainability goals.