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119-s-835119th Congress
Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced
Summary
A voluntary Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification Program would be created to encourage donation of excess food, reduce landfill disposal, and promote alternative uses like composting and animal feed. The program would set certification standards, recognize third-party certifiers, and offer a voluntary label to identify certified participants.
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- Nonprofit food assistance organizations would likely receive more donations of apparently wholesome excess food because one purpose of the program is to increase donations to groups that provide food to those in need.
- Farms, retail grocers, restaurants, schools, and other eligible participants could seek certification to show they track and reduce waste; certification would require documentation of 12 consecutive months of donated or alternatively disposed food.
- Institutions of higher education would get preference when accrediting third-party certifiers; the Department of Agriculture would list recognized accreditation bodies and accredited certifiers and promote certified participants through labeling and outreach.
*The bill would authorize $3.0 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Funding for food waste program
If enacted, the bill would authorize $3,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out the certification program. The authorization could pay for staff and program costs. These funds would remain available until expended.
Voluntary food waste certification program
If enacted, the bill would create a voluntary USDA Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification Program. The Secretary would publish certification rules within 18 months. Applicants would submit 12 consecutive months of records on donations or diversion to qualify. USDA would set rules for accrediting third-party certifiers and keep public lists of accreditors and certifiers. USDA would work with the FDA and EPA and revise the December 17, 2020 agreement. USDA may create voluntary labels and promote certified participants.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
IA • R
Sponsored 3/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov