Senate Bill 741 aims to establish a framework for food waste reduction in Wisconsin by creating a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The bill mandates DATCP to provide grants for pilot projects focused on preventing food waste, redirecting surplus food to hunger relief organizations, and composting food waste. Notably, the bill emphasizes equity by requiring DATCP to prioritize grant proposals that target census tracts with median household incomes below the statewide average and areas lacking grocery stores.

To facilitate the implementation of this program, the bill introduces new statutory sections, specifically 20.115 (3) (e) and 93.53. Section 20.115 (3) (e) outlines the allocation of funds for food waste reduction grants, while Section 93.53 details the objectives of the grant program and the criteria for awarding grants. Additionally, the bill grants DATCP the authority to promulgate rules for the administration of the grant program, ensuring a structured approach to food waste reduction efforts in the state.