Wisconsin Ag Connection - Petri Food Bank Proposal Approved by Committee

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Petri Food Bank Proposal Approved by Committee
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/16/2010

The Education and Labor Committee approved child nutrition legislation this week, including an amendment proposed by Wisconsin Congressman Tom Petri to make it clear that schools participating in the school lunch program are legally allowed to donate excess food to local food banks.

In 1996, Congress passed the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, which protects donors from all liability when they give to food banks in good faith. This landmark law has allowed businesses and civic organizations to donate critically-needed food to local food banks and food pantries.

Despite this law, Petri says many local school districts have been hesitant to give away excess food, primarily due to a mistaken belief that U.S. Agriculture Department regulations forbid excess food to be donated.

"This is unfortunate as excess food is being thrown away rather than provided to food banks to support those in need," said Rep. Petri. "In many cases, students who rely on school lunches also rely on support from local food banks."

Petri says the purpose of his amendment is to keep excess school food out of the garbage and get it into food banks. He notes that the provision makes it clear that local schools are covered under the Good Samaritan Act and permit the donation of excess food that would otherwise be thrown away.