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Appropriations panel restores funding for USDA food-waste liaison role

3778704 · June 12, 2025

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Summary

Committee restored $500,000 in appropriations to fund the USDA food-waste liaison position, which members said helps states, food banks and municipalities reduce food loss and increase donations and composting.

Representative Chellie Pingree offered an amendment to restore previously reduced funding for the USDA food-waste liaison position, returning the line to $500,000. The liaison role works with EPA and other partners on legal liability protections for donors, diversion of food to composting and anaerobic digesters, date-labeling guidance and other measures to reduce food waste and methane from landfills.

The amendment drew bipartisan support; the committee chair and other members praised the liaison’s modest but useful work in coordinating federal, state and local efforts and agreed to restore the funding. The amendment was agreed to by voice vote.