New York State's Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, marking the collection and redistribution of 32 million pounds of food since its inception in 2022.
This nation-leading initiative, led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Feeding New York State—a statewide network of food banks—has provided critical food assistance to millions and played a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
Since launching, the program has seen significant growth in food donations, with an average of two million pounds of food distributed to food banks each month, compared to just 50,000 pounds during its early stages in late 2022.
This success is attributed to DEC’s $4.8 million investment through the Environmental Protection Fund, which has helped expand food collection efforts, enhance transportation capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses like grocery stores and restaurants.
"Feeding New York families is critical to the long-term health and well-being of communities in every corner of our state," said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. The program exemplifies the power of collaboration, as it addresses food insecurity and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfilled organic waste, a major contributor to climate change.
Feeding New York State’s Executive Director, Dan Egan, emphasized the program’s dual impact. “We celebrate the diversion of 32 million pounds of edible food from landfills,” Egan said. This milestone demonstrates how sustainable food management practices can both fight hunger and mitigate environmental damage.”
The Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, designed to address the growing environmental and social concerns of food waste, requires large food-related businesses to donate excess edible food while composting food scraps. The initiative is part of a broader state effort to meet ambitious climate goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which targets the reduction of methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas.
Methane emissions from landfilled food waste account for a significant portion of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting millions of pounds of food from landfills, the program feeds families in need and helps reduce methane production and landfill waste. According to New York State Assembly Member Deborah Glick, the program is a prime example of how economic, environmental, and social goals can be aligned. "Feeding New York State is a nation-leading food diversion program that gives food straight to those in need while keeping millions of pounds of healthy food out of the landfill monthly," Glick said.
New York’s approach to food waste reduction doesn’t stop with this program. The state has also made investments in emergency food relief organizations and municipalities to support food donation and food scrap recycling programs. In addition to the food donation initiative, New York hunters participate in the Venison Donation Coalition, which annually provides 40 tons of venison to needy families. These combined efforts underscore New York's comprehensive strategy to address hunger and sustainability.
As New York continues to lead in environmental innovation, the state's Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law stands as a model for how strategic investments can benefit both people and the planet.
