March 26, y

indira.glass@mail.house.gov

(email of congresswoman Lawrences scheduler)

Representative Brenda L. Lawrence

RE: House Bill No. 952

Dear Representative Lawrence:

I am writing to you as my State representative to voice my support of HB No. 952 which seeks to enhance
the coverage of a Bill introduced by congress in 1966 known as the Emerson Good Samaritan Food
Donation Act (Emerson Act). This act promotes food donation by providing food donors and food recovery
organizations with civil and criminal liability protections. However, donors are often unaware of the
protections that this act provides. HB No. 952, also known as The Food Recovery Act, seeks to clarify to
food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants the ambiguous terms within the Emerson Act, create
awareness of criminal and civil liability protections within this act , and extend the liability protections to
support more modern food donations.

As a Pre-dietetics major at Madonna University I am now more conscious of food insecurity, food deserts
(areas with little to no access to fresh produce or non processed food items), and also the mass amounts of
food wasted within the United States. Approximately one third of all the food produced within the United
States is wasted or goes uneaten. Often times food is disposed of due to the common mistake or confusion
of interpreting the best by or sell by date as the date that the product should be discarded. However, in
reality, this label represents peak freshness of the food and these products remain fresh and edible after this
date. The Food Recovery Act extends liability to cover these foods, specifically those sold after their best
buy date distributed in good faith by the seller at a reduced price to the individual or family in need of
food assistance.

Not only will this legislation extend the protections of those already donating food. It will also make
qualifying for liability and criminal protections an easier process for those who want to donate. Under the
Emerson Act food is required to meet extensive labeling requirements in order to be donated. The Food
Recovery Act will remove some of the requirements that are not applicable when it comes to the safety of
the donated food. An example of this is to eliminate the requirement to include the net weight of the foods
being donated. It is important to remember that businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants are
already expected to follow specific food safety guidelines, and are subject to inspections. The general
public trusts that these guidelines are followed every day. Therefore, it is logical to believe that
establishments such as grocery stores and restaurants have the food safety knowledge to make direct
donations. This Bill would require information relevant to food safety be provided, making the process of
donating food easier for all involved.

In conclusion, this bill is one that will benefit the public and reduce food waste within the United States.
Through the changes made to the Emerson Act there is real opportunity to increase food donations
throughout the communities within our country. This legislation could ultimately lead to an overall
decrease of food insecurity within American families. It is important that nourishing whole foods end up
with families who desperately need them, not in landfills where they sit and serve no purpose.

Thank you very much for your time and your consideration of this bill, which is currently referred to the
House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Sincerely,

Alana Page
 March 26, y
1706 Broadstone Road

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236