Albany, NY – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to expand New York’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Program, building on the success of a state initiative that has diverted 32 million pounds of food to families in need since its launch in 2022. The program also advances New York’s climate goals by reducing food waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Highlights of the Expansion
- Increased Reach: Legislation S.5331-A/A.5906-A expands the law to include more businesses and institutions required to donate excess edible food and recycle food scraps. The radius for required recycling has been increased from 25 miles to 50 miles of an organics recycling facility.
- Record Donations: With support from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Feeding New York State has reported an average of 2 million pounds of food donations monthly, helping to fight food insecurity while reducing landfill waste.
- Dual Impact: The program aims to support food-insecure New Yorkers while addressing sustainability by diverting food waste for composting and other environmentally friendly uses.
“No one in New York should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table,” said Governor Hochul. “This expansion ensures families in need have access to essential resources while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.”
The expansion is supported by lawmakers, environmental advocates, and food recovery organizations:
- DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar: “This program has proven effective in feeding families and reducing methane emissions from landfilled food waste. Its expansion furthers New York’s efforts to combat climate change.”
- State Senator Pete Harckham: “The success of this program addresses food insecurity while tackling sustainability and waste reduction.”
- Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky: “With phased implementation, this expansion ensures businesses and infrastructure have time to build capacity for a sustainable statewide program by 2028.”
The initiative aligns with New York State’s climate agenda, which seeks to transition to a clean energy economy by 2050, reduce emissions across sectors, and direct at least 35% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Impact and Future Goals
Since its inception, the program has enabled food banks and partner agencies to recover 37 million pounds of food, preventing it from ending up in landfills and helping to reduce methane emissions. Feeding New York State Executive Director Jay Hawkins described the law as a “nation-leading Food Recovery Program” that contributes to a “hunger-free New York.”
The expanded law is expected to further strengthen these efforts, making significant strides toward reducing food insecurity and meeting environmental targets.