Trucking companies often transport large quantities of food that may go unused due to factors like overstock, minor packaging issues or approaching expiration dates. Photo courtesy of the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank is calling on trucking companies to help fight hunger in our community by donating surplus food, with the assurance of liability protection under the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and California’s Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Understanding the Good Samaritan Law
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, enacted in 1996, protects trucking companies, businesses and nonprofit organizations from civil and criminal liability when donating apparently wholesome food or grocery products in good faith to nonprofits like the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank for distribution to those in need. This federal law ensures that donors are not held liable for issues related to the nature, age, packaging or condition of the donated food, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

In California, the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (AB 1219), signed into law in 2017, further strengthens these protections. It clarifies that food donated past its labeled shelf life is still protected, as many date labels relate to peak freshness rather than safety. This law also mandates that health inspectors promote food donation during inspections, encouraging businesses to contribute surplus food.

How Trucking Companies Can Help
Trucking companies often transport large quantities of food that may go unused due to factors like overstock, minor packaging issues or approaching expiration dates. Instead of letting this food go to waste, trucking companies can donate these items to the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, a trusted nonprofit dedicated to ending food insecurity in the Yuba-Sutter community. The food bank accepts a wide range of donations, including fresh produce, packaged goods and other edible items that meet safety standards. For specific guidelines on acceptable donations, visit www.feedingys.org.

Why Donate?

One in eight Californians, including one in four children, faces hunger. Your donations can directly support families in need to combat hunger. Each year, billions of pounds of food are wasted in landfills. Donating helps redirect wholesome food to those who need it most and therefore reduce waste. The Good Samaritan laws ensure that trucking companies donating in good faith are protected, giving you peace of mind ensuring liability Protection. The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank has been a vital resource, distributing millions of pounds of food to vulnerable populations, including seniors and families, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Donate
The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank makes it easy for trucking companies to donate. Contact the food bank at 530-673-3834 or visit www.feedingys.org to coordinate drop-offs or learn more about donation processes. The food bank works with partners to ensure safe handling and distribution, adhering to all federal, state, and local regulations.

“We encourage trucking companies passing through or based in the Yuba-Sutter area to join us in our mission to end hunger,” said Maria Ball, executive director of the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank. “With the protections of the Good Samaritan laws, you can donate surplus food with confidence, knowing it will make a real difference in our community.”

For more information about the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, visit www.usda.gov or www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1791. To learn about California’s protections, check www.cawrecycles.org.

About Yuba-Sutter Food Bank
The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank is committed to ending food insecurity through community partnerships, ensuring access to nutritious food for all. By streamlining food sourcing and distribution, the food bank supports local food pantries, families, seniors, and individuals in need. Learn more at www.feedingys.org.