While millions of people here in the United States cannot get enough to eat, grocery stores throw away tons of food every year. It is estimated the average grocery store throws out around $2300 worth of food every day. Fruits and vegetables are tossed because they are bruised or otherwise unsightly. Packaged foods go into the trash bin because the packaging is damaged. Perishable items wind up in dumpsters because they are 2-3 days away from their expiration dates.
Nearly all of this food could go to charity, such as food banks and free stores. It is shameful for stores to waste food that is comestible while millions cannot put meals on the table. Many grocery chains hide behind a smokescreen of liability fears, when in reality the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 protects those who donate food in good faith.
Trader Joe's stores regularly donate their unsalable foodstuffs. In 2014, they gave $925 million worth of their products to food banks. There is no reason whatsoever why other grocery chains cannot follow suit.
We the undersigned request that you donate your leftover, unsalable products and produce to food banks, instead of destroying it and throwing it away. Trader Joe's has been donating to food banks for years and never had any problems. The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 protects all who give away food in good faith. It is a disgrace that millions of people in the United States go hungry when so much edible food is being needlessly wasted.
