Senator Erin Maye Quade Advances Landmark Bill to Expand Rights in Minnesota

Minnesota Senator Erin Maye Quade has secured passage of a bipartisan bill designed to combat food insecurity by redirecting surplus grocery store eggs to food shelves, marking a rare legislative victory in addressing hunger amid rising inflation and supply chain disruptions.

The Grocery Store Egg Donation Bill, passed by the Minnesota Senate on May 13, 2026, requires grocery retailers to donate unsold eggs to licensed food shelves instead of disposing of them. The measure follows a similar law enacted in 2025 in neighboring Wisconsin, where grocery stores donated over 1.2 million eggs to food banks in its first year.

Senator Maye Quade, a Democrat representing Apple Valley, introduced the bill as part of her broader legislative focus on expanding food access and reducing waste. The legislation aligns with Minnesota’s existing Food Donation Tax Credit, which incentivizes businesses to donate surplus food by exempting them from state taxes on donated items.

*”This bill is a simple but powerful way to ensure that food that would otherwise go to waste ends up on the tables of Minnesotans in need,”* Maye Quade said in a statement. *”With food insecurity rising, especially among families with children, every egg counts. This represents about common sense—reducing waste while helping those who need it most.”*

The bill’s passage comes as Minnesota’s food shelf network reports a 15% increase in demand over the past year, according to the Minnesota Food Association. The state’s Hunger Impact Report 2025 found that 1 in 8 Minnesotans—including 1 in 5 children—struggled with food insecurity, driven by inflation, stagnant wages, and supply chain challenges.

### How the Bill Works The legislation mandates that grocery stores with 10 or more employees donate unsold eggs to licensed food shelves within 48 hours of their expiration date. Stores that comply will receive a tax credit equal to 50% of the eggs’ wholesale value, capped at $5,000 annually. The bill also establishes a state-funded reimbursement program for smaller retailers to cover transportation costs.

*”Many grocery stores already donate food, but eggs are often overlooked because of their short shelf life,”* said Senator Quade’s office. *”This bill removes that barrier, ensuring that perfectly good eggs don’t end up in landfills when they could feed families.”*

### Bipartisan Support and Next Steps The bill passed the Senate without opposition, reflecting broad support from both parties. In the Minnesota House, a similar measure was introduced in April by Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Apple Valley), who praised the legislation as *”a win for businesses, the environment, and hungry families.”*

Governor Tim Walz (DFL) has indicated he will sign the bill into law, pending final House approval. If enacted, Minnesota will join 12 other states with egg donation laws, including California, New York, and Texas.

### Broader Implications for Food Waste and Hunger Relief The bill’s passage underscores growing momentum in the U.S. To reduce food waste while addressing hunger. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 30-40% of the U.S. Food supply is wasted annually, while 40 million Americans face food insecurity. Minnesota’s law builds on federal programs like the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which protects donors from liability when donating surplus food.

Food shelves in Minnesota have already signaled strong interest in the program. Second Harvest Heartland, the state’s largest food bank, reported that egg donations surged by 30% in 2025 after pilot programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The organization’s CEO, Mike Thompson, called the legislation *”a game-changer for families struggling to put food on the table.”*

### What Comes Next The bill now moves to the Minnesota House of Representatives for a vote. If approved, it is expected to take effect July 1, 2026, giving grocery stores time to adjust their donation processes. Senator Quade’s office has also announced plans to introduce companion bills in the next legislative session aimed at expanding food donation incentives for dairy and produce.

For grocery retailers, the law presents both cost savings (via tax credits) and corporate social responsibility benefits. For food shelves, it offers a reliable, low-cost protein source—eggs are a nutrient-dense, shelf-stable food that can be easily incorporated into meals for children and seniors.

As inflation continues to strain household budgets, the bill’s focus on high-value, perishable food donations could serve as a model for other states grappling with rising hunger rates. With Minnesota’s food shelf network serving over 1 million people annually, the legislation’s impact could be significant in the coming years.