Bill > HB1059

This bill aims to reduce food waste in Colorado public schools by encouraging local education providers (including school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions) to adopt policies that minimize food waste in school cafeterias. The bill introduces the concept of a "share table," where students can return whole, untouched food or beverage items that they do not want to consume, allowing these items to be redistributed to other students while complying with health and safety requirements. The proposed policies may include managing share tables, donating excess food to nonprofit organizations, composting organic materials, and implementing other food waste reduction initiatives. The bill also provides guidelines for these policies, such as addressing food redistribution practices, ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards, communicating with students and parents, and training school personnel. Additionally, the bill protects designated school employees from civil liability when redistributing food items through share tables, except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless acts that could harm recipients. The legislation encourages schools to leverage student leadership and local public health expertise in developing these food waste reduction strategies, with the ultimate goal of minimizing food waste and promoting more sustainable practices in school meal programs.

Education

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1059