Assembly member Susan Eggman visited the Second Harvest Food Bank Friday afternoon asking for support of her Assembly Bill 215 that will benefit farmers and hungry Californians alike.

Eggman spent her time with Food Bank CEO Mike Mallory and his staff at their office on Industrial Drive in Manteca, noting that California is the leading agricultural producer in America.  Yet, she said, too many Californians still suffer from hunger and poor nutrition.  It is estimated that more than six million in the state – including one in four children – suffer from food insecurity Eggman pointed out during her visit to the food bank distribution facility serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

“An existing state credit authorizes agricultural growers to receive a state tax credit for donating their surplus produce.  The credit is encouraging donations to produce to California food banks, however, according to categorical limitations of produce to California food banks.   However due to categorical limitations and difficult product valuations, qualifying for tax credits is cumbersome,” she added.

The current categories of foods that can be donated are limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, she noted.  This leaves out important sources of nutritious foods that — if included with the new bill — will help reduce hunger in California.

She explained that AB 15 would simplify the process for donors by basing the credit on 20 percent of the wholesale value of the foods donated instead of the current base of 10 percent of the donated value.  It would also provide a certainty to donors by extending the sunset of the credit by another seven years from 2007 until 2014.

“These changes are crucial to maximize the partnerships between our agricultural producers and the anti-hunger charity networks, making our food system more efficient by ensuring that as much food as possible does not go to waste but is used to feed hungry Californians,” she said.