# Plain Language Summary: Zero Food Waste Act

This bill aims to reduce the amount of food that gets thrown away in America by creating new programs and incentives to redirect edible food to people who need it. Right now, millions of tons of perfectly good food end up in landfills every year while many Americans struggle with food insecurity. The Zero Food Waste Act would establish federal support for food rescue organizations, grocery stores, restaurants, and farms to donate surplus food instead of discarding it.

The bill creates tax incentives for businesses that donate food, making it financially attractive for companies to give away extra inventory rather than throw it away. It also provides grants and funding to food banks, soup kitchens, and other nonprofits that collect and distribute donated food to communities. Additionally, the legislation would establish clearer guidelines about food safety and liability protections, so businesses don't have to worry about being sued if they donate food that's still safe to eat but simply didn't sell.

For everyday people, this means more access to free or low-cost food through expanded food assistance programs in your community. For businesses like restaurants and supermarkets, it means potential tax breaks and reduced waste disposal costs if they participate in food donation programs. The environmental benefit is significant too—less food in landfills means less methane emissions and reduced environmental impact. Overall, this bill tries to solve two problems at once: feeding hungry people and protecting the environment by keeping usable food out of the waste stream.

Zero Food Waste Act

Booker, Cory A.

Zero Food Waste Act This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a grant program to study and reduce food waste.