25 signatures reached
To: Katie Rains; Washington State Department of Agriculture
Taking Action Against Food Waste
The Food Waste Plan for Washington State could be stronger than what is already in motion. I believe it should be required for grocers to donate clean, unused food items that are nearing their "best-by" dates. Much like the law in France, there could be a fine to the stores who choose not to donate those items.
Why is this important?
According to northwestharvest.org, 1 in 10 people struggle with hunger, and 1 in 8 people (half of which are children) rely on food stamps. Meanwhile, Washingtonians are throwing out eight percent of edible food (data taken by your site, The Washington Department of Ecology). Food that could ultimately help these people eat every night. By requiring grocery stores to donate food they would throw away, we would reduce food waste and feed those who are struggling to feed themselves.