S 338 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Authorizes voluntary donation of expired food or food waste to farmers; authorizes donations if farmer waives liability.

This bill allows grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail sellers to voluntarily donate expired food or food waste (like items past their sell-by date or spoiled leftovers) to farmers for use as animal feed. Farmers must sign a liability waiver acknowledging the risks of using expired food and releasing the business from legal responsibility. The bill also directs the Farm Liaison to help coordinate donations between retailers and farmers by developing networks and sharing information about available food. It directly affects retail businesses and farmers by creating a legal pathway for food waste donation while limiting business liability. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Party
State
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P
Photo of Doug Steinhardt
Doug Steinhardt
RRepublican
NJ
23