Bill > A05639

This bill enacts the New York State Excess Food Act, which introduces several key provisions to reduce food waste and promote food donation. The legislation requires covered retail establishments (defined as stores with at least 10,000 square feet or chains with multiple locations) to contract with charitable organizations to donate all apparently consumable food products. Establishments are prohibited from intentionally spoiling food that could be donated, with potential fines up to $4,000 for violations. The bill also mandates that these same establishments collect and compost non-toxic organic waste through anaerobic or aerobic digestion methods. To support these efforts, the bill establishes the New York State Excess Food Fund, which will be funded by fines collected from violations of the act. The fund will be used to cover administrative and enforcement costs associated with the new regulations. The bill expands definitions of food-related terms, clarifies liability protections for food donors, and aims to reduce food waste while supporting food redistribution to charitable organizations. The act will take effect 120 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation rules and regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5639