Spotlight on the News: Drowning in zucchini and other vegetables? Panic buy too many canned goods? Order too much food for an event?

Moving forward, each week we will highlight current events and news from throughout the food and agricultural industry.  This week, Drake Law Student Torin McCaw showcases the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and information recently posted by USDA

Drowning in zucchini and other vegetables? Panic buy too many canned goods? Order too much food for an event?

When you find yourself in situation like this, food donation is an option. The USDA, in a recent blog post, discusses food donation and addresses concerns raised by many consumers. This may seem like an obvious choice for canned goods and cleaning out the cupboard, as we have food drives all the time. However, the idea that you could donate homegrown produce may not occur to many and when it does it may spark fear: what if my green thumb isn’t as good as you thought? Could I be liable for something that happens to someone who eats something I grew and donated? Could there be other consequences for donating food I grew? Because of the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, you are likely to be protected in the above situations. This act protects people, including gardeners, caterers and food truck operators, from liability related to donated food as long as the donation was made in good faith and consists of food that is apparently wholesome or apparently fit grocery products.  If you are considering donating food, you can learn more by reading USDA’s recent post.