This bill mandates that certain supermarkets, grocery stores, and food suppliers in New Jersey must make a reasonable effort to donate food that is still fit for human consumption but would typically be discarded during regular business operations. The food can be donated to food banks, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. This initiative aims to reduce food waste and support those in need by ensuring that surplus food is redirected to beneficial uses rather than being thrown away.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions to clarify the terms used within the legislation. It defines "food supplier" as an entity that distributes or sells food to supermarkets or grocery stores, and specifies that a "supermarket or grocery store" is a retail outlet with a minimum area of 16,000 square feet, with at least 90 percent of that space dedicated to food and related products. The bill is set to take effect 180 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:4A-2