Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, to donate produce grown from its Incredible Edible Garden exhibit to local food shelves over the 2015 summer growing season.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation maintains a growing area at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory which produces approximately 2,000 pounds of food each season; and
WHEREAS, the produce is currently used for zoo animal enrichment, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory educational programs, and to augment recreation center food programing; and
WHEREAS, the total produce from the season can be an overabundance for the animals, Como Education and recreation programs; and
WHEREAS, to limit the waste, the Department would like to donate food to local food shelves to bring fresh, healthy food to those in need; and
WHEREAS, the Bill Emerson Food Donation Good Samaritan Law was enacted to encourage such donations by protecting donors and receiving agencies from liability; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the donation of food serves a public purpose; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Department of Parks and Recreation is hereby authorized to donate produce from the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s Incredible Edible Garden to local food shelves.