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Council adopts resolution requiring city departments to donate eligible surplus food to local groups
Summary
The council's health and wellness committee recommended — and the full council adopted — a resolution requiring all city departments to donate eligible surplus wholesome food to qualified community organizations, invoking the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act for liability protection.
The West Haven City Council adopted a resolution directing city departments, offices and entities to donate eligible surplus wholesome food to qualified community partners whenever feasible.
Mayor Dorinda Borer, who helped convene a food policy council, said the resolution builds on local coordination among churches, the Board of Education, the health department and community groups to reduce waste and help residents who face food insecurity. “Food insecurity has just become a fancy word for hungry,” the mayor said, adding she hopes donations are used locally when possible to benefit West Haven residents.
The resolution references the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to clarify liability protections for good-faith donations, specifies eligible partner organizations (food pantries, shelters, community centers and similar entities) and asks each department to identify surplus food and maintain simple internal records. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.
The health and wellness committee moved the resolution to the full council and the council carried the motion by voice vote.
