ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2141

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 14, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2141.

      This bill requires certain supermarkets, grocery stores, and food suppliers to donate food under certain circumstances.

      Under the bill, a supermarket, grocery store, or food supplier is to make a reasonable effort to donate all food that is fit for human consumption, but which would otherwise be discarded in the normal course of business by the supermarket, grocery store, or food supplier, to a food bank, a nonprofit organization, or to any person.

      The bill defines "supermarket or grocery store" to mean a retail outlet operating in a closed structure with an area greater than 16,000 square feet, of which at least 90 percent is occupied by food and related products.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.