A Joint Resolution designating the last week of September as "New Jersey Gleaning Week."

Whereas, Each year, approximately 40 percent of the United States food supply goes uneaten due to losses at the farm, retail, and consumer levels; and

Whereas, This wasted food accounts for 25 percent of all freshwater used in the country, four percent of all oil consumed, $165 billion in lost retail sales, and $750 million in disposal costs; and

Whereas, The vast majority of wasted food ends up in landfills, where organic matter accounts for 16 percent of all methane gas emissions in the United States; and

Whereas, At the same time, over 14 percent of U.S. households struggle to put enough food on the table, leaving 49 million Americans, including 16 million children, at risk of going hungry; and

Whereas, In New Jersey, food insecurity affects 1.15 million people, including 375,000 children, many of whom do not qualify for federal nutrition programs and must rely on charitable food assistance; and

Whereas, It is estimated that the food saved by reducing losses by just 15 percent could feed more than 25 million Americans each year; and

Whereas, Increasing the efficiency of our food system, so that all Americans have access to fresh, healthy food, is imperative and requires a collaborative effort between governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and consumers; and

Whereas, Gleaning is the process of collecting excess fresh foods from farms, gardens, farmers markets, grocers, restaurants, state and county fairs, or other sources in order to provide it to those in need; and

Whereas, Gleaning prevents the unnecessary wasting of quality food, and gives low-income populations access to fresh, nutritious foods that are not always available in their communities; and

Whereas, Gleaning also provides resources to nonprofit agencies, many of whom have shrinking staff capacity and budgets due to the economic downturn, and builds good relations between community members and farmers; and

Whereas, Individuals can get involved in gleaning by connecting with various nonprofit organizations, such as the New Jersey Agricultural Society's Farmers Against Hunger program, which sponsors gleanings across the State between September and November; and

Whereas, New Jersey and its citizens have a long history of supporting gleaning efforts, so it is altogether fitting and proper that the State establish "New Jersey Gleaning Week" during the last week of September; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The last full week in September each year is designated as "New Jersey Gleaning Week," in order to promote awareness of food insecurity and food waste, and to encourage residents to participate in gleaning to provide fresh, healthy food to those in need.

2. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe "New Jersey Gleaning Week" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. The Department of Agriculture shall take appropriate measures each year to publicize "New Jersey Gleaning Week."

4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates the last full week of September each year as "New Jersey Gleaning Week."

Each year, approximately 40 percent of the United States food supply goes uneaten due to losses at the farm, retail, and consumer levels. This wasted food costs Americans $165 billion in retail sales, and uses up valuable water and energy resources. Meanwhile, 49 million Americans, including 16 million children, are at risk of going hungry. In New Jersey, 1.15 million people, including 375,000 children, are affected by food insecurity. Increasing the efficiency of our food system, so that all Americans have access to fresh, healthy food, is imperative and requires a collaborative effort between governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and consumers.

Gleaning is the process of collecting excess fresh foods from farms, gardens, farmers markets, grocers, restaurants, state and county fairs, or other sources in order to provide it to those in need. Gleaning prevents food waste, gives low income populations access to fresh, healthy foods, provides valuable resources to nonprofit agencies, and builds good relations between community members and farmers. Individuals can get involved in gleaning by connecting with various nonprofit organizations, such as the New Jersey Agricultural Society's Farmers Against Hunger program, which sponsors gleanings across the State between September and November.

This joint resolution would direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation, and the Department of Agriculture to take appropriate measures to publicize "New Jersey Gleaning Week."