States try to reduce food waste with new laws

To protect the environment, relieve hunger and save money, states are trying to reduce those numbers. California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont already restrict the amount of food and other organic waste (such as soiled and compostable paper and yard waste) that can be dumped in landfills. Maryland, New Jersey and New York are considering similar laws.States are offering tax breaks to farmers and small businesses that donate food rather than throw it away, limiting the liability of food donors, and standardizing "use by" labels so consumers don't toss food that is still edible. New Jersey is considering an award to prompt people to come up with productive ideas for making use of "ugly produce," foods that are perfectly edible but shunned by retailers, processors and restaurants because of blemishes and other flaws.The issue also is attracting notice beyond state capitols. Some businesses are collecting farmers' imperfect produce and restaurant food that is on the verge of spoiling or has passed its "sell by" date and selling it to customers at a discount. Others have created apps that connect restaurants and stores that have surplus food to people who want it.The Food Waste Reduction Alliance, which represents the food industry and restaurant trade associations, recently worked with Harvard Law School's Food Law and Policy Clinic to simplify and standardize "use by" and "sell by" labels, which befuddle many consumers. People throw away a lot of edible food because they misunderstand the difference between the two terms.