Supporting Food Recovery: How the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act Protects Donors
At Food Rescue US, we are committed to fighting food insecurity while simultaneously reducing food waste. One of the key pieces of legislation that empowers our mission is the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which plays a crucial role in removing barriers to food donations nationwide. Passed in 1996, the Bill Emerson Act encourages individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to donate surplus food to those in need by offering them protection from liability. This law is named after Congressman Bill Emerson, a champion for hunger relief, and ensures that donors who act in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability.
How the Act Works
Before the Bill Emerson Act, many potential food donors, including restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers, hesitated to donate due to being sued if the donated food inadvertently caused harm. These concerns often led to perfectly good food being thrown away rather than donated to agencies serving the food insecure. .
The Bill Emerson Act alleviates this fear by providing legal protection to food donors, as long as the food is donated in good faith and meets certain safety standards. This includes food that may not meet retailers’ aesthetic standards—such as misshapen vegetables or items nearing expiration—but is still perfectly safe to eat. The act also covers organizations like Food Rescue US, which redistributes donated food to hunger relief agencies.
The Impact on Food Recovery
Thanks to the Bill Emerson Act, the risk for food donors is minimized, which opens the door for more frequent and larger donations. At Food Rescue US, we rely on partnerships with food donors who trust that their surplus food will not only go to good use but also that they are legally protected when making donations.
This protection plays a vital role in supporting our mission. By allowing businesses to safely donate excess food, we are able to rescue millions of pounds of food annually and redirect it to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Every donation we receive helps reduce waste and provide nutritious meals to those who need them most.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re a food donor or know someone who might be interested in donating, we encourage you to learn more about the protections offered under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act. By donating surplus food, you can make a significant impact on reducing hunger and waste in your community. Our team at Food Rescue US is here to support you through the process and ensure your donation makes a difference.
Together, with the support of this crucial legislation, we can continue to create a sustainable and effective food recovery network that benefits both donors and recipients.
For more information about how to donate, or to get involved with Food Rescue US, visit [our website](www.foodrescue.us).