The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHOOL FOOD RECOVERY ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E15 on Jan. 6, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHOOL FOOD RECOVERY ACT
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HON. THOMAS E. PETRI
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this legislation is to make 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 who give to food banks in good faith from all liability except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. This landmark law has allowed businesses and civic organizations to donate critically-needed food to local food banks and food pantries.
Despite this law, many schools and school districts have been hesitant to donate excess food from school lunches, primarily due to a misperception that U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations don't allow for excess food to be donated.
Loudoun County, Virginia, in Congressman Frank Wolf's district, has expressed these reservations. That is why Congressman Wolf, an original cosponsor of this bill, reached out to work with me to help address this issue. I'm sure there are many other examples in congressional districts across the country.
This is unfortunate as excess food is being thrown away rather than provided to food banks to support those in need. In many cases, students who rely on school lunches also rely on support from local food banks.
The purpose of this bill is straightforward: to keep excess school food out of the garbage and get it into food banks. The bill will clarify that schools and school districts are permitted to donate excess food and that they are covered under the Good Samaritan Act when doing so.
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