We Can Reduce Food Waste, Fight Climate Change, and Feed the Hungry!

 
 

Tell Governor Hochul to expand the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Program!

New York generates an estimated 4 million tons of excess food annually, the vast majority of which is disposed of in landfills. When disposed of in landfills, wasted food decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. About 25% of the food we buy is wasted, while more than 2.5 million New Yorkers lack consistent access to sufficient food. We are throwing away wholesome food that could instead help feed our fellow citizens in need.

In response, New York enacted the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law in 2019 to require large food generators (e.g. supermarkets, sports venues, hotels, colleges) that waste two tons of food or more per week to either donate or recycle their excess food. This program has provided surplus food to hungry people, converted organic waste into valuable compost, and created renewable energy through anerobic digestion. The program has been off to a very successful start—from 2021 to 2022, food donation increased 60% and food scrap recycling increased 529% across the state!

While we are off to a good start, far too much food continues to be wasted. Now it is time to expand this program and capture additional food waste. The NYS Legislature recently passed legislation to expand this program—requiring facilities generating one ton or more of food waste per week to reduce, recover, and recycle excess food!

Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign the expanded Food Scraps Recycling and Food Donation Program legislation into law!

Thank you for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,

All of Us at CCE