We Can Reduce Food Waste, Fight Climate Change, and Feed the Hungry!

Tell Governor Hochul to expand the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Program!

New York generates an estimated 4 million tons of excess food annually, the vast majority of which is disposed of in landfills. When disposed of in landfills, wasted food decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. About 25% of the food we buy is wasted, while more than 2.5 million New Yorkers lack consistent access to sufficient food. We are throwing away wholesome food that could instead help feed our fellow citizens in need.

? Take future action with a single click.
Log in or Sign up for FastAction

Contact Information

Prefix First Name Last Name

Street Address

Postal Code City State/Province

Email Home Phone (Optional)

Yes, sign me up for email updates.

Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time.

(Optional)

Expand the Food Scraps Recycling and Food Donation Program!

Dear [elected official],

I urge you to sign the expanded Food Scrap Recycling and Food Donation Program legislation (S.5331A/A.5906A) into law. This bill requires large food waste generators to donate edible food to regional food banks and send food scraps to composting facilities or anaerobic digesters. New York must expand its existing successful program to further decrease food waste, feed the hungry, and fight climate change.

Personalize your message

New York generates an estimated 4 million tons of excess food annually; the vast majority of which is disposed of in landfills. Approximately 17% of the state’s municipal solid waste stream is comprised of wasted food. Once discarded in landfills, food decomposes and releases methane thus contributing to climate change. Sending millions of tons of food to landfills not only wastes the valuable resources used to produce it, but also wastes an opportunity to feed the 2.5 million New Yorkers who face food insecurity.

New York’s program is off to a great start—from 2021 to 2022, food donation increased 60% and food scrap recycling increased 529%! However, too much food continues to be wasted and now is the time to expand the program, as recommended in both the NY’s Climate Scoping Plan and DEC’s Solid Waste Management Plan. Requiring facilities generating one ton or more of food waste per week to reduce, recover, and recycle excess food; and by applying to food scrap generators within 50 miles of an organics recycler (increased from 25 miles), will capture far more wasted food for donation and recycling. Please sign this important legislation into law when it comes to your desk.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, [Your information here]