A new law requiring California grocery stores and restaurants to donate leftover food has been difficult to implement due to rising fuel cost and uncertainty over who pays for food recovery.  The bill represents a state effort to reduce methane emissions by avoiding putting leftover food into landfills. The law which took effect in January mandates that national retailers as well as small grocery stores and convenience stores donate unsold food redirecting it from landfills and composting what is inedible. There is a goal of 20% food recovery by 2025. However, many cities and counties are applying for waivers saying they don’t have the infrastructure or funds to recover and donate leftover food. The donation efforts are made more difficult by rising fuel costs and no clear obligation as to who pays for food recovery.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne 

Posted on 15 April 2022