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The Ways and Means Committee passed Congressman Tom Reed's (NY-23) Fighting Hunger Incentive Tax Act Wednesday, which incentivizes excess food donations to those that need it most.

Congressman Reed released the following statement:

"America is in many ways the land of plenty but for many Americans hunger is a reality. Nearly one in six of our neighbors face the specter of hunger. At yet, over 150 billion pounds of excess food is simply thrown away. It only makes sense that this excess food be donated to our local charities and food banks which provide a crucial link in defeating hunger for those who experience food insecurity.

"In my district, I have heard from food bank volunteers, farmers, small business employees, and restaurateurs about the positive impact this bill will have on their ability to donate food to the food banks and help their neighbors in need. Instead of wasting perfectly good food, the goal is to have it donated by providing a tax deduction over the cost of goods sold if the food is donated to a charitable organization.

"By providing this critical tax deduction, we are incentivizing the donation of food rather than its disposal as with the current code. This bill helps offset the additional costs of packing and transporting the food for donation. And it also provides a critical source of donated inventory for our charitable organizations.

"I care deeply about those in need and it is only fair that we put to use perfectly good food to feed and give some measure of relief to those in need. I am happy to be able to promote a bill that brings together businesses and charitable groups to bridge the gap in our community."

"We are thankful to Representative Reed for his introduction of this important legislation. With our food banks feeding more than 46 million Americans a year, tax incentives are needed to help us capture more of the 70 billion pounds of wholesome food wasted each year," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. "Our focus is on increasing the amount of produce we distribute to clients and this legislation would help us meet that goal, especially since many family farms are not able to take the tax deduction right now," explained Aiken.

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