General Law Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5146
Title: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SUPERMARKET FOOD DONATION PROGRAM.
Vote Date: 3/15/2022
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/22/2022
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
General Law Committee
Co-Sponsors
Rep. Kimberly Fiorello, 149th Dist. Rep. Dorinda Borer, 115th Dist.
Rep. Stephen R. Meskers, 150th Dist. Rep. William A. Petit, 22nd Dist.
Sen. Dennis A. Bradley, 23rd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill effective October 1, 2022 will require that supermarkets located in Connecticut
periodically make food donations, which include edible canned foods and perishable foods to
food banks. There are several reasons why the bill is important, it will help those individuals
in our state who suffer from food insecurity and need nutritional support, it would support the
food banks in the state, and it would promote zero-waste.
Proposed Substitute Language/LCO 3101
By January 1, 2023 the bill requires supermarkets adopt a written policy describing how they
will operate a food donation program. Supermarket is defined in Section 1 (4) also in
Section 1 Food relief organizations is defined. The requirements for insurers is also Section
1 (b). Liability protections are expanded in Section 3. Section 4 creates a task force to study
the program of supermarket food donation program and submit a written report by January 1,
2023 at which time the task force will be terminated.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Michelle Seagull, Commissioner, Department of Consumer Protection State of
Connecticut
DCP appreciates the intent of this program, however there aren't sufficient resources for
staffing and administration to implement such a program when a supermarket fails to make
the required available appropriations. it is also not clear how the DCP would enforce the
provisions that are proposed if periodical food donations
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO, CT Foodshare
Supports this bill. It is well intended and aims to find a solution to an issue that we all hope to
address fully in Connecticut
Rep. Michel, House of Representatives, State of Connecticut
Rep. Michel supports the concept of the bill, however, feels it is quite vague and maybe
inefficient if passed as is. He strongly recommends the bill's language is worked on making it
a proper bill that addresses the issues that exist versus an ineffective piece of legislation.
Sarah Aaron-Bromley
Supports this bill in spirit only but would like additional language to achieve her goal of Zero
Waste. Ms. Aaron-Bromley is a volunteer for the Haven's Harvest Food Recovery. She
would also like the bill to include language that conveys the Food Recovery Organizations
are equal partners with the larger groups such as CT Foodshare.
Black and Brown United in Action
Though there are food assistance programs and pantries in Connecticut, most are not able to
meet the need as demand has increased. Several Black and Brown households are unable
to meet the needs due to the increase in cost of living in the state and little supplemental
relief. This is also difficult for those who are undocumented. The supermarket donation
program will help those in need during these difficult times, as well as reduce wastage.
Bishop, Dr. Philip A. Boone
The local supermarkets have been a wonderful source and we are thankful, however by
adding language to the proposed bill, it will add societal economic value and other non-
financial impacts to marginalized communities. Food rescue provides food while being good
for the environment.
Fred Camillo, First Selectman, Town of Greenwich
Thank you to Rep. Fiorello and Rep. Michel for bringing this bill forward. There is not
downside to the concept. It will help those in need and reduce food waste.
Rachel Merva, Missions Chair, Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church
This bill provides a lifeline to those experiencing food insecurity and the pantries throughout
the state that support food programs. Having grocery stores donate excess food to local
distribution sites will help mitigate both food waste and food insecurity.
The following also submitted testimony in support of HB5146
Max Coretto, Windsor, CT Therese Eke, Milford, CT
Timothy Gabriel, North Haven, CT Katherine Hinds, Hamden, CT
Tess MacKenzie, New Canann, CT Robert E. Marra, West Haven, CT
Page 2 of 3 HB-5146
Hilary Ormond, New Canaan, CT Alyson Rodgerson, Milford, CT
Bettina Theil, Milford, CT Carol Topitzer, Milford, CT
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
Though Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association supports every business and individual taking
any action necessary to help those facing food insecurity, it is respectfully opposed to Section
3 (c) of this proposal. Immunity provisions like this are bad public policy and CTLA opposes
their enactment.
Lori Price Abrams, Government Relations Manager, Wakefern Food Corp.
There already exists a well-established and robust food donation infrastructure with protocols
in partnership with area food banks. Wakefern Food's also partners with CT Foodshare and
many other local charities. The legislature should be cautious about well-intended changes
that could expose our members to unnecessary regulation and unintended consequences
that could impact their ongoing and well received programs.
Wayne Pesce, CT Food Association
Today every reputable food retailer in the state of Connecticut contributes significant
resources to local communities by way of food donations and direct financial support of local
civic groups. A more equitable allocation of these charitable resources seems to be the heart
of this discussion. Mr. Pesce further provided a list what supermarkets do to support the
communities it serves.
Molly Devanney, Highland Park Markets
Highland Park Markets is a family-owned market. In addition, Ms. Devanney serves on the
board of directors for CT Foodshare and teach Sustainable Food Systems at Manchester
Community College. Highland Park Markets practices a zero-waste policy in its stores. CT
Foodshare has become statewide agency where it has been able to address and continue to
address the hunger in our state. The systems in place are working. Mandating a food
donation policy or adding regulations adds no increase to charitable food supply, if anything,
it could have unintended consequences to discourage charitable food donations, it also will
cause additional paperwork in the stores.
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk Date: March 21, 2022
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Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 52-557l
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 52-557l
File No. 194: 52-557l
File No. 576: 52-557l
Public Act No. 22-28: 52-557l