Feeding America Lauds Passage by House of Food Donation Giving Incentives (H.R. 4719)

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America commends the House of Representatives for passage of H.R. 4719, the America Gives More Act. H.R. 4719 includes legislation supported by Feeding America and its network of 200 food banks, as well as more than 120 other businesses and organizations representing farmers, growers, retailers and restaurants that would renew and expand tax incentives for donated food.  Feeding America distributes over 3.6 billion pounds of food through our network of food banks each year, and this legislation would help increase food donations, particularly from farmers and growers, at a time when the need for emergency food assistance remains high in communities across the nation. 

Over the last few years, Feeding America and our network members have launched a massive campaign to distribute more fresh produce through our food banks, with over 900 million pounds of fresh produce distributed to clients in 2013 alone.   Yet without the passage of this bill, many farmers and growers donating fruits and vegetables are not eligible for an enhanced tax deduction like other donors due to their status as a small business and tax accounting practices. 

"As we are dealing with sustained high need across our network, we are appreciative that the House has acted to pass this legislation, which has long enjoyed strong bipartisan support," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. "With over 70 billion pounds of food wasted each year, including 6 billion pounds of produce, this legislation will help increase donations and help food banks provide an additional 1.5 billion meals over 10 years to hungry people. We look forward to working with Congress and our partners to see this important bill enacted." 

Contact: Lucio Guerrero
312.629.7219

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SOURCE Feeding America