ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4031

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 15, 2023

      The Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 4031.

      This bill, as amended by the committee, would require the Food Security Advocate to establish and maintain, in the Office of the Food Security Advocate, a food rescue hotline that is designed to:  (1) receive and respond to requests, whether by telephone, in-person, or via electronic or other means, as authorized by the Food Security Advocate, from individuals or organizations that are seeking to donate large quantities of food; and (2) direct each such individual or organization requesting hotline assistance to an appropriate food bank, and to other appropriate community resources and organizations, in order to facilitate the delivery of the donated food to an appropriate location. 

The bill would require the Food Security Advocate to engage in a public awareness campaign, using all available media, including television, radio, print, the Internet, and social media, to inform the public about the availability and purpose of the food rescue hotline.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments make appropriate changes to clarify that individuals and organizations donating large quantities of food may submit a request for hotline assistance, under the bill, either by telephone or in-person or through electronic or other means, as may be authorized by the Food Security Advocate.  The committee amendments also make minor technical changes.