New law will allow schools to donate leftover food

Press Release:

Congressman Latta Announces New Law that Allows Schools to Donate Leftover Food to Charities and Pantries

BOWLING GREEN – Congressman Latta (R-Bowling Green) announces that a new provision in the Department of Agriculture’s annual spending bill will allow public schools to donate excess food to charities and pantries. The new provision by Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) now ensures schools are covered under the Good Samaritan Act, which protects donors who give to food banks in good faith from all liability. Previously, many school districts didn’t donate food out of concern that they weren’t covered under the Good Samaritan Act.

“As a result of this clarification, each school and local educational agency participating in the school lunch program may donate any food not consumed under the school lunch program to eligible local food banks or charitable organizations,” said Rep. Latta. “This long overdue, common-sense change will allow schools to boost the inventory of food pantries at a time when donations are greatly needed,” added Latta.

Congressman Latta has sent school principals and food bank directors across the Fifth Congressional District a letter informing them of the new change. A copy of the letter can be found here.

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