Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Food Waste Passes House

DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to encourage Colorado schools, businesses, higher education institutions and local governments to reduce food waste. HB25-1166 would add food waste reduction in the state’s voluntary sustainability program. 

“Reducing food waste saves business money, helps feed our community and protects our environment,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “This bill encourages businesses, grocers, and local governments to help reduce food waste by expanding available training and liability protections for food donors. More than one-third of food in our state ends up in our landfills.This bipartisan bill encourages and empowers our community to combat food waste at the source.”

HB25-1166, also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, passed the House by a vote of 57 to 6. This bill to combat food waste by directing the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to include food waste reduction as part of their sustainability programs and provide training materials. This bill also helps promote food waste prevention and reduction strategies statewide. 

This legislation also encourages local businesses to donate leftover food instead of throwing it away. It also encourages locally prepared foods to use “use by” labeling to avoid unnecessary food waste. 

According to Feeding America, 38-percent of all food in the United States goes unsold or uneaten and 145 billion meals wind up in landfills. This bill aims to help cut back on food waste.