Extends certain provisions relating to supermarkets providing excess edible food to food relief organizations
Summary
A10344 extends the sunset date for a 2021 law that supports the donation of excess edible food from supermarkets to food relief organizations. The bill does not create a new program; instead, it keeps existing provisions in place longer by moving the expiration date for one section of the law from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2031.
The underlying law is part of New York’s food recovery and waste reduction policy, aimed at connecting surplus edible food from supermarkets with organizations that distribute food to people in need. By extending the effectiveness of these provisions, the bill preserves the legal framework that encourages or facilitates food donations rather than disposal, helping food banks and other relief groups continue to receive edible surplus food.
Impact
The bill amends chapter 63 of the laws of 2021, which amended the Environmental Conservation Law, by changing the repeal date for section 4 and thereby extending the life of the supermarket food donation provisions by five years. Its practical effect is to keep the existing statutory requirements and incentives for supermarkets and food relief organizations operative through the end of 2031, rather than allowing them to expire in 2026. This affects supermarkets, food recovery organizations, and recipients of food assistance, while leaving the underlying structure of the law unchanged.
Sentiment
The available legislative history shows strong support and no recorded opposition. The Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee reported the bill favorably on a 30-0 vote, and the Assembly passed it 135-0. The bill later passed the Senate, indicating broad bipartisan or at least cross-chamber agreement that the extension should continue.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. Because the bill is a straightforward extension of an existing food donation law, the main policy question is whether the sunset should be prolonged; the votes suggest consensus that continuing the program is beneficial. No committee transcript or recorded debate is provided, so no specific objections from supermarkets, regulators, or food relief organizations are documented here.
Enacts the "New York state food rescue tax credit act" in relation to providing a tax credit for certain businesses that donate food to eligible nonprofit food assistance organizations.
Enacts the "New York state food rescue tax credit act" in relation to providing a tax credit for certain businesses that donate food to eligible nonprofit food assistance organizations.
Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including single-use utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.
Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including single-use utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.