FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 October 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Reintroduces the Feed the Community Act to Fight Hunger As Trump Lets SNAP Benefits Run Out This Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) reintroduced the Feed the Community Act (H.R. 5840) this week, to create tax deductions for businesses that donate food storage equipment and food transportation vehicles to non-profit organizations whose mission is to fight hunger in their communities.
As food banks, food pantries, and community-based nutrition providers face growing demand, they require equipment to store more food and vehicles to transport the food to communities in need. As the current tax code only allows food inventory as charitable donations, this new category of tax deductions will help incentivize a greater flow of donations of equipment and vehicles to food assistance organizations so that they can store and transport food to feed Americans across the country.
This bill builds upon Congresswoman Barragán’s recent efforts to protect access to nutritious foods in a letter she co-signed to USDA Secretary Rollins, requesting contingency funds be used to keep SNAP benefits available during the government shutdown. Tens of millions of Americans are affected by food insecurity and waste, which disproportionately harm senior citizens, low-income households, and communities of color.
“Almost a million Angelenos would go hungry if it wasn’t for the important work of food banks,” said Rep. Barragán. “As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more Americans are afraid that they will not be able to secure food for their families. No American should ever have to worry about how they will secure their next meal. My bill helps ensure Americans have enough to eat and community-based nutrition organizations have the resources they need to serve our communities.”
“Across the United States logistics businesses are supporting food redistribution by donating warehouse space and providing transport to food banks and other community organizations,” said Sara Stickler, President and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. “The Feeding the Community Act would recognize this contribution and promote further participation in these important partnerships. We are proud to support this bill.”
“The Feed the Community Act addresses a critical need for nonprofits by providing tax deductions for businesses that donate essential food storage equipment and vehicles,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “These donated resources would enhance the capacity of hunger-relief nonprofits nationwide. With increasing demand for food assistance and the rising costs of infrastructure, support for our shared mission is vital to continue serving individuals and families facing food insecurity. By incentivizing donations, this act fosters a community-driven approach to combating food insecurity and will increase the capacity of nonprofits to ensure that nutritious food reaches those in need.”
“Meals on Wheels America is proud to endorse the Feed the Community Act and commends Congresswoman Nanette Barragán for her leadership in this proposing practical solution to address critical societal needs. By creating tax deductions for businesses that donate equipment and supplies, this legislation will encourage the donation of much-needed food storage, meal preparation and transportation equipment to nonprofit nutrition programs and support them in serving more people in need. With 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels providers currently keeping a waitlist, this bill will help end the wait that too many vulnerable seniors face for the nutritious meals and moments of connection they need and deserve. All of Congress should quickly get behind this bill,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.
In 2023, over 47 million Americans lacked access to affordable and nutritious foods, with Black and Hispanic/Latino adults experiencing even lower access than White households. Additionally, food waste in the United States accounts for over 30% of the national food supply, about 235 million tons of food per year. This approximates to 145 billion wasted meals that can otherwise be provided to working Americans — this bill would help to decrease this waste and transport these meals to families across the country.
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud O. Carabajal (CA-24), Andre Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Dina Titus (NV-1), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Juan Vargas (CA-52) and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).
The bill is supported by FoodFinders, the Global Cold Chain Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels America.
To view the full bill text, click HERE.
###