“The Vermont Foodbank is grateful to Senator Leahy for his introduction of The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “We rely on donated food from so many businesses, farms and restaurants in Vermont—this bill is a way to incentivize and thank them for all they do for the 153,000 Vermonters who turn to the Vermont Foodbank because they are struggling with hunger.”

The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act expands upon a proven and effective tax incentive to encourage businesses and farms to donate surplus food to their local food banks. The bill permanently extends the same tax incentives to donate food, now available to corporations, to all businesses, including small businesses, farmers, ranchers and restaurant owners – many of whom often have large amounts of fresh food to donate.

Leahy’s bill is supported by many organizations including Feeding America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Restaurant Association, and the Vermont Foodbank.  It is cosponsored by Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).

Read more about the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act on VTDigger.com.