Food Donations Sample Letter

More on the Food Donation Giving Incentive IS Submits Statement to Senate Finance Committee on Extending Charitable Incentives Locate contact information for your Senators and Representative America's Second Harvest Call To Action on Farm Bill More on other provisions in the Pension Protection Act affecting charitable organizations

In 2006, Congress enacted the food donation giving incentive as part of a package of charitable giving incentives included in the Pension Protection Act. This provision, which expired on December 31, 2007, permitted grocery stores, farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and restaurateurs to donate wholesome food for hungry Americans and have the same access as corporations to the enhanced tax deduction for contributions of food inventory. We encourage IS members to urge their members of Congress to extend the food donation giving provision. A sample letter is provided below. Note that this letter must be tailored to describe your organization before sending.

SAMPLE LETTER

The Honorable____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington , DC 20515

[The Honorable ____________
United States Senate
Washington , DC 20515]

Dear Representative/Senator___________:

On behalf of [organization], I am writing to express our strong support for the extension of the food donation giving incentive, which expired at the end of 2007.

As you know, the Pension Protection Act in August 2006 enacted several incentives designed to support important charitable works in communities throughout the country and the world. The food donation giving incentive permitted grocery stores, farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and restaurants to donate wholesome food for hungry Americans and have the same access as corporations have to the enhanced tax deduction for contributions of food inventory. Through this essential giving program, we have been able to increase our ability to solicit food donations and impact communities in need. [If available, give example of persons or community benefiting from increased food donations through this provision].

Unless Congress takes action soon, thousands of charitable organizations will be deprived of the additional food donations needed to feed our neediest citizens. We therefore urge you to extend the food donation giving incentive in any tax bill coming before Congress this year.

Sincerely,

Last updated: March 4, 2008