Bill
Bill > S338
NJ S338
NJ S338Authorizes voluntary donation of expired food or food waste to farmers; authorizes donations if farmer waives liability.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill authorizes any retail seller or distributor to donate expired food or food waste to a farmer for use as animal feed, provided the farmer signs and submits to the retail seller or distributor a liability waiver. The bill also directs the Farm Liaison, established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.94 (C.4:1-48), to: 1) collaborate with farmers and retail sellers and distributors to develop contacts and networks to request, process, and receive expired food or food waste donations; and 2) coordinate communications about expired food or food waste available for donation and distribution. The bill specifies the liability waiver provide that the person signing the waiver: 1) understands and accepts the potential dangers and negative impacts for people or animals consuming expired food or food waste; 2) releases the retail seller or distributor from any liability with regard to the donated expired food or food waste; and 3) waives any right to legal action as a result of accepting the donated expired food or food waste.
AI Summary
This bill allows businesses like grocery stores and restaurants to donate expired food or food waste to farmers for use as animal feed, as long as the farmer agrees to a liability waiver. This waiver means the farmer understands and accepts any risks associated with feeding this food to animals and releases the donor from any responsibility or legal action. The bill also tasks the Farm Liaison, an established position within the Department of Agriculture, with helping to create connections between farmers and businesses for these donations and coordinating communication about available food. "Expired food or food waste" is defined broadly to include various food items that are no longer suitable for sale, and "retail seller or distributor" refers to any business that sells or distributes food.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S338 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/338_I1.HTM |
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