Committee unanimously releases bill requiring campus food-waste reduction programs

The Assembly Higher Education Committee on Friday voted unanimously to release Assembly Bill 5387 and its identical Senate companion, S3889, which require each public institution of higher education to develop a food-waste reduction program on every campus.

The measure was read into the record by staff and brought to the committee without amendments. Witnesses who registered in support included Janine Kaba of the New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative, Michelle Jacor of Rowan University, and Allison McLeod of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters; several registered witnesses declined to testify in person.

Assemblyman Sharpenberger urged approval before the vote, calling the measure “really, [a] multi benefit bill” that would both repurpose food and “help with the cost of college” for students who may struggle to afford meals while paying tuition. The committee recorded unanimous “yes” votes from Assemblywoman Matsakis, Assemblyman Sharpenberger, Assemblyman Abdelaziz, Assemblywoman Simmons, Assemblyman Miller and Chairwoman Carter, and the chair announced that the bills were released.

Why it matters: Committee members said the bill could help campuses reduce food waste while providing practical benefits to students who are food insecure. No committee amendments were offered, and the bill will proceed through the legislature per standard scheduling rules.

The committee took no additional action beyond releasing the bills to the next step in the legislative process.