Senate panel advances bill encouraging school share tables and composting; amendment clarifies federal compliance

The Senate Education Committee on an unanimous voice vote advanced House Bill 10 59, a bill that encourages local education providers to adopt food-waste reduction policies and asks the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise to incentivize public schools to create programs such as share tables and composting.

Supporters said the bill is permissive — it encourages but does not require districts to adopt policies — and that amendment L002 clarifies the measure stays within federal nutrition rules. "This bill will encourage local education providers to adopt a food waste reduction policy and require the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise to incentivize public schools to create such programs," Senator Rich said when introducing the measure.

The bill drew testimony from nutrition staff, youth advocates and students who described substantial food waste in Colorado schools and urged the state to provide a clear framework. "This HB 10 59 is fairly easy and smart legislation," said Jessica Cassell, a nutritionist who said she has worked with USDA Child Nutrition Programs for more than a decade and who urged a yes vote. Cassell said USDA guidance dating to 2012 already allows school nutrition programs to donate excess…