Bill > A08508

This bill requires the commissioner of education to mandate, rather than merely encourage, that school districts and higher education institutions donate excess, unused, edible food from meals to local voluntary food assistance programs such as community food pantries and soup kitchens. The bill changes the language from "may" and "encourage" to "shall" and "mandate," making food donation a requirement instead of an optional activity. The commissioner must develop guidelines that ensure all food donations comply with federal, state, and local public health laws regarding food safety. These guidelines will include procedures for informing school districts and food assistance programs about the donation program, notifying educational institutions about their ability to donate food, and providing technical assistance on how to safely and sanitarily donate excess food. The commissioner is also required to coordinate this program with the existing farm-to-school program. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization to develop necessary implementation regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8508