ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York is taking steps to reduce hunger and food waste.
Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced a 110 million pound food collection milestone.
The milestone is part of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which requires businesses to donate excess edible food and recycle food scraps.
Officials said the law has resulted in 62 million pounds of food for regional food banks.
“That’s 51 million meals that have made it to dinner tables of seniors who have to battle between food and medicine. 51 million meals that have made it to homes of kids getting off the school buses. 51 million meals that made it to the homes of veterans who served our country and have no food in their fridge,” said Michael-Aaron Pointdexter, Regional Food Bank chief program officer.
Officials say 7.8 billion pounds of food is wasted each year in New York state.
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