Reed-Sponsored Bill Providing Tax Breaks to Businesses that Donate to Food Banks Passes in House

Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Reed’s bill to care for families in need across the country and encourage charitable giving passed the House last week in a strong bipartisan vote of 277-130.

The proposed “America Gives More Act” combines five bipartisan bills to promote charitable giving through the tax code.

Reed’s specific bill, the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act, incentivizes restaurants, grocery stores, farmers and other businesses to contribute their excess inventory to local food banks and pantries by permanently extending the food inventory donation tax provision that expired at the end of last year. Instead of wasting the food, Reed’s bill provides a tax deduction over the cost of the goods if the food is donated to a charitable organization.

Reed says Thursday’s vote sends a strong message to the Senate that the chamber should join the House and pass the charitable giving package.