Trenton, NJ — The New Jersey Legislature has introduced a bill aimed at reducing food waste by requiring large supermarkets, grocery stores, and food suppliers to donate consumable food that would otherwise be discarded.
The proposed legislation would amend the existing “Food Bank” law (P.L.1982, c.178), establishing guidelines for donating surplus food that remains fit for human consumption. The bill expands the definition of “donor” to include farmers, food processors, schools, and other entities, such as food suppliers and supermarkets. According to the bill, supermarkets, grocery stores, and food suppliers must make reasonable efforts to ensure that edible food is not discarded and is instead donated to food banks, nonprofit organizations, or individuals.
The bill clarifies that “supermarket or grocery store” refers to retail outlets operating in closed structures exceeding 16,000 square feet, with at least 90% of the space occupied by food and related products. The legislation aims to promote partnerships between food donors and charitable organizations, encouraging the redistribution of surplus food to the needy.
The act is slated to go into effect 180 days after it is enacted. Currently, the bill is under legislative review and awaiting further action from state lawmakers.