Peekskill, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham celebrated a significant milestone today, announcing that his 2021 legislation aimed at reducing food waste and aiding residents facing food insecurity has resulted in the distribution of over five million pounds of excess, unsold food to the state’s 10 regional food banks.
Since the enactment of the law, supermarkets are now required to make surplus food available to organizations assisting those in need, such as food pantries. This initiative has proven to be a resounding success, stocking food pantries statewide while raising awareness about combating hunger within local communities.
Senator Harckham expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed to this effort, emphasizing the critical role of volunteers and donors in addressing food insecurity across New York State. He underscored the ongoing need to combat hunger and praised the remarkable impact of the food donation law in supporting vulnerable residents.
During recent hearings on the Executive’s Proposed FY2024-2025 State Budget, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos highlighted the significant achievement of diverting more than five million pounds of nutritious food from landfills to food banks, in collaboration with Feeding New York State (Feeding NYS).
Harckham’s legislation, extended through 2026, received $4.8 million in support from the DEC through the Environmental Protection Fund. These funds facilitated the expansion of food donations, with Feeding NYS deploying staff to various food industry facilities to increase participation and encourage donations.
The partnership between New York State and Feeding NYS has emerged as a national model for food diversion programs, with the implementation of Harckham’s law yielding tangible results. Feeding NYS reported a substantial increase in monthly food donations, reaching over 300,000 pounds per month as of October 2023, compared to 50-60,000 pounds per month at the program’s inception.
Moreover, investigations have underscored the environmental benefits of reducing food waste, as food production and waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting surplus food from landfills, the program not only addresses food insecurity but also mitigates environmental harm associated with food waste.
Senator Harckham’s legislation exemplifies a proactive approach to tackling both hunger and environmental challenges, reaffirming the importance of legislative efforts in fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all New Yorkers.