With nearly one million Angelenos receiving food assistance, the Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to donate surplus food to food banks, homeless shelters and other organizations that help the needy.
"This policy is a win for everyone," said councilman Jose Huizar, who pushed for the policy. "It helps the city reduce waste, and secondly puts food on the tables of families who are going hungry each day here in the city of Los Angeles."
The policy, which applies to various departments and contractors, drew praise from Frank Tamborello with Hunger Action L.A. and the Rev. Andy Bales of the Union Rescue Mission, among others.
Some city departments already donate surplus food, including the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Department of Aging.
According to city's chief legislative analyst, Gerry Miller, the city has some legal protection under state law from lawsuits that might be filed by people who fall ill after eating the donated food.
