The New Jersey Business & Industry Association supports two bills that would establish a state tax deduction for food donation and clarify liability protections for food donation.
The bills were approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
- S-3012 (Lesniak, D-20) would allow a state income tax deduction for charitable contributions of food made from business inventory.
- S-3026 (Smith, D-17; Thompson, R-12) clarifies liability protections for food donations and gleaning (collecting) activities.
“Many businesses already support their local community food banks and these bills help to further support food donation” said Sara Bluhm, NJBIA Vice President of Environment & Energy.
“Allowing a state tax deduction for charitable contributions of food made from business inventory mirrors the federal income tax deduction,” Bluhm said. “Incentivizing food donations in this way allows New Jersey businesses to provide significant support to food banks throughout the state helping our most vulnerable residents.
“Also, legislation clarifying the liability protection for food that is gleaned (or collected) to be donated to food banks without liability for allowing nonprofits or volunteers to collect the food is a positive step to increase contributions,” Bluhm said. “The bill also makes changes to allow for easier donations to food banks that are not covered by state liability laws. Without this clarification, local health departments often require food banks to dispose of safe and nutritious food.”
