Sen. Stanley encourages schools and restaurants to donate extra food to Oklahomans in need

OKLAHOMA CITY- Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, served as the Senate author of House Bill 1542 in the 2023 legislative session, which allows school cafeterias and restaurants to donate their extra food without the fear of civil liability. The bill took effect on Nov. 1, and Stanley would like to see more schools and restaurants take part.

“In the midst of this holiday season, it is heartbreaking to know that there are Oklahomans who may not know where their next meal is coming from,” Stanley said. “Whether they’re facing homelessness or simply trying to afford groceries with the current inflation, there are many Oklahomans who could use our help fighting food insecurity.”

Stanley added that along with fighting hunger, these donations can also help eliminate large quantities of food waste.

“I challenge organizations in my district and across the state to look into ways to serve leftover fresh food to those in need. A staggering 30-40 percent of our nation’s food supply goes to waste every year. Oklahoma has an incredible opportunity to change that statistic and ensure that no one goes hungry. The Oklahoma standard means we take care of our neighbors, and this is just one more way we can do so,” Stanley said.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Brenda Stanley at (405) 521-5584 or Brenda.Stanley@oksenate.gov.