Bill > H2455

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop comprehensive guidance and resources to promote food donation across the state. Specifically, the DPH must create detailed guidelines for businesses that include information about liability protections, community benefits of food donation, legal regulations for safe food handling, types of food that can be donated, and contact information for further questions. The department is required to distribute these guidelines within 6 months, ensure they are posted on their website, and make them easily accessible to businesses. Additionally, the bill mandates that the DPH conduct educational webinars for health agents and local health boards at least four times per year to discuss food donation best practices. Furthermore, the department must develop a statewide educational campaign within 12 months to raise awareness about reducing food waste, targeting both businesses and consumers. The overall goal of the bill is to encourage more food donation, reduce food waste, and provide resources to help businesses safely and confidently participate in food donation efforts.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2455