Extends provisions of law relating to expanding the food donation and food scraps recycling program; amends the effectiveness relating thereto.

New York Assembly Bill A01679 aimed to extend the implementation timeline of the state's Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Program by one year. This program requires large food waste generators, such as supermarkets and restaurants, to donate edible food to charities and recycle food scraps, thereby reducing food waste and supporting environmental sustainability. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, by Assemblymember Maryjane Shimsky and was later substituted by Senate Bill S00759, which was signed into law as Chapter 80 on February 14, 2025.

Supporters of the bill argue that delaying the program's implementation provides businesses with additional time to establish the necessary infrastructure for compliance, ensuring a smoother transition and more effective participation. This extension is seen as a pragmatic approach to achieving the program's environmental and social objectives without imposing undue hardship on affected businesses.

Critics contend that postponing the program's start date delays the environmental and social benefits associated with reducing food waste and increasing food donations. They express concern that the extension may signal a lack of urgency in addressing these pressing issues and could set a precedent for further delays in implementing similar initiatives.