Rep. Andrew Myers Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Food Shelf Access and Reduce Food Waste

St. Paul — Representative Andrew Myers (R–Tonka Bay) has introduced legislation to increase access to high-quality protein for Minnesota families while simultaneously reducing unnecessary food waste.

Rep. Myers brought together a bipartisan group of legislators from both sides of the aisle to deliver a pragmatic solution to a growing problem. Food shelves and hunger relief organizations are facing rising demand and limited supplies of protein-rich foods, while safe and nutritious eggs are being discarded due to current labeling restrictions.

Under existing law, eggs may not be sold after their quality assurance date, and because “sale” includes donation, they cannot be donated either.

“This is a practical, bipartisan solution to a very fixable problem,” said Rep. Myers. “Safe, nutritious eggs are being thrown away while food shelves are struggling to meet demand. We can change that while maintaining strong food safety standards.”

Rep. Myers brings firsthand experience to this issue, having been a longtime volunteer at his local food shelf over the past 10 years and is now currently serving as a board member.

The bill allows eggs to be donated past their quality assurance date if they meet strict requirements, including remaining in original packaging, being properly graded, continuously refrigerated, and distributed within 30 days with updated labeling.

“I believe this small fix will have an egg-straordinary impact,” Myers added. “It supports our food shelves, reduces waste, and helps more Minnesotans access healthy food.”

The bill, House File 3579, has been referred for a hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy.