Extends certain provisions relating to supermarkets providing excess edible food to food relief organizations to 12/31/2031.
Summary
This bill extends the sunset date for certain provisions of chapter 63 of the laws of 2021, which require or authorize supermarkets to provide excess edible food to food relief organizations. Under current law, the affected provisions were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026; this bill changes that date to December 31, 2031. The measure does not create a new program or substantially alter the underlying requirements, but instead keeps the existing food donation framework in place for an additional five years.
The bill is aimed at continuing the flow of surplus edible food from supermarkets to hunger-relief and food assistance organizations. By extending the law’s effectiveness, it preserves the legal structure supporting food recovery efforts, which can reduce food waste and increase access to donated food for charitable distribution. The practical effect is to maintain the current statutory incentives and obligations tied to supermarket food donations without interruption.
Impact
The bill amends the expiration date in chapter 63 of the laws of 2021, as previously amended, by replacing the 2026 repeal date with 2031. Its impact is limited to extending the life of existing provisions in the Environmental Conservation Law-related food donation framework; it does not otherwise modify the substantive duties of supermarkets or food relief organizations. The affected parties are supermarkets, food rescue and food relief organizations, and indirectly consumers and communities that benefit from donated edible food.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable or routine support for the bill’s continuation of an existing food recovery policy. There are no recorded votes or committee transcripts indicating opposition, debate, or amendments. The bill appears to be a straightforward extension of a previously enacted measure, which typically signals consensus around preserving the program while lawmakers consider its longer-term effectiveness.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. Because there are no committee transcripts or vote records, there is no evidence of disagreement over the extension date, the scope of supermarket obligations, or the burden on retailers. Any potential concerns would likely center on compliance costs for supermarkets or the adequacy of food donation infrastructure, but those issues are not documented in the available record.
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.