New Jersey Assembly Bill A5387

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Refer: 5/5/25

Caption

Requires each public institution of higher education to develop food waste reduction program on campus.

Impact

If enacted, A5387 will have a significant impact on the operations of public higher education institutions in New Jersey. By obligating these institutions to devise strategies for food waste reduction, they will play an active role in alleviating food insecurity challenges faced by local communities. This bill not only helps in minimizing the environmental impact associated with food waste but also fosters partnerships between campuses and local non-profits, enhancing community relations and support systems.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5387 mandates that all public institutions of higher education in New Jersey create and implement food waste reduction programs on their campuses. The primary aim of these programs is to redirect excess food produced in dining facilities and campus events to support local food security initiatives, such as soup kitchens and food pantries. This initiative is grounded in the goal of reducing food waste while simultaneously addressing food insecurity in the surrounding communities, ultimately promoting a culture of sustainability within educational institutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the implementation and operational costs associated with establishing these food waste reduction programs. Institutions may raise concerns about the viability of meeting food safety standards during the process of transferring unused food to community organizations. Furthermore, the requirement for annual reporting to the Governor and the Legislature might be viewed as an additional administrative burden, leading to debate over the balance between effective program execution and bureaucratic oversight.