Armato & Lopez Bill Promoting Gleaning and Community Service Activities for College Students Clears Assembly

Legislation Would Urge Students to Collect Excess Food for Families in Need

            (TRENTON) – Assembly Democrats John Armato and Yvonne Lopez released the following statement regarding the full Assembly’s approval of AR-205, a resolution which urges institutions of higher education in New Jersey to coordinate and promote gleaning and community service opportunities for students, faculty, and campus community:

            “Food waste is a serious issue in New Jersey and nationwide; the United States Department of Agriculture estimates 40 percent of the food supply in America goes uneaten due to losses at farms, retailers and other consumer sources,” said Armato (D-Atlantic). “One of the ways we can help reduce food waste is by ‘gleaning,’  which is the process of collecting excess fresh foods from farms, gardens, grocers, restaurants, farmers markets, fairs, or other sources to give to those in need.”

            “By asking colleges and universities in the state to encourage students to seek out gleaning activities, we can help deliver fresh, nutritious foods to struggling families who may not always have access to healthy meals,” said Lopez (D-Middlesex). “This will get us closer to taking full advantage of our food supply and ending hunger statewide, and help promote valuable volunteer opportunities for young people. I’m excited to see this bill move to the Senate for further consideration.”