Sacramento, California, October, 2, 2019 — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 614 (Eggman), expanding the Farm to Food Bank Tax Credit beyond fresh produce, to make eligible other healthy California food essentials such as milk, meat eggs, rice, beans, and more.
AB 614 delivers a triple win: fight hunger, prevent food waste, and support California farmers.
California is the America’s leading agricultural producer, yet many Californians still suffer from hunger and poor nutrition. Despite our state’s great bounty, 1 in 9 Californians faces hunger, including 1 in 5 kids.
Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (AD 13 Stockton)
“The expansion of donated foods eligible for this tax credit has been many years in the making, and a lot of work from advocates and staff. I’m thrilled that Governor Newsom is dedicated to addressing the issues of massive food insecurity and food waste in California.”
Andrew Cheyne, Director of Government Affairs, California Association of Food Banks:
“AB 614 is necessary because farmers and food producers face real costs to donate. The existing tax credit is effective in driving donations to food banks, but is limited to fresh produce. AB 614 is a key step to ensure food banks can provide complete nutrition to hungry Californians. We are so grateful for Assemblymember Eggman’s tireless leadership on this important issue.”
Nick Lapis, Director of Advocacy, Californians Against Waste:
“Donated food doesn’t just feed the food insecure, it protects the environment. This bill will use a proven model to align the incentives for producers to donate food that would otherwise be wasted.”
Becky Gershon, Advocacy Manager, California Association of Food Banks:
“Current federal threats to CalFresh underscore the urgent need for AB 614. Especially as families avoid safety net programs, AB 614 is a small but vital investment so food banks are better able to provide healthy food with no questions asked.”