JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee Advances Legislation to Reduce Food Waste and Promote Environmental Justice
DENVER, CO – The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) today approved legislation to reduce food waste in schools and promote environmental justice.
Bill 5, sponsored by Chair Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, Vice Chair Steph Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would encourage school districts and charter schools to adopt policies aimed at reducing food waste in school cafeterias such as composting and “share tables,” where whole food or beverage items that students choose not to consume may be redistributed to others. Food “share tables” are still required to follow all sanitation and health requirements and cannot be brought from home. Schools are encouraged to seek technical assistance and grant funding for these policies from the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise.
“It is always a joy to partner with the bright, young members of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council and develop policies on the issues that matter most to them,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “This year, I am proud to sponsor legislation to improve health literacy for Colorado’s youth, reduce food waste in schools, and incorporate youth voices on the state’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board. I look forward to continuing to partner with COYAC members next session as we introduce these policies and work hard to see them become law.”
“Colorado youth are engaging in the legislative process, and it has been an honor to work closely with them to develop policy that will have a deep impact on their daily lives and futures,” said Vigil, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “Our youth are our future, and they deserve to have their concerns and input taken seriously. I’m proud to be their advocate at the Colorado Capitol by advancing legislation to reduce food waste in our schools, boost our focus on environmental issues, and provide students with relevant health information.”
“Colorado’s young leaders have once again brought forward impressive policy proposals that are the result of meticulous research and extensive community discussions,” said Winter, sponsor of Bills 4 and 6. “These students are leading the way in saving our planet, both in environmental and health justice. I’m honored to help shepherd legislation to better incorporate youth voices in decision-making about the state’s environmental justice work, as well as legislation to improve health literacy in schools.”
Bill 6, sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, would require two youth members to be appointed to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to serve a two year term with one youth voting member and one youth non-voting member who are between 14-21 years old. Additionally, the bill would charge the Colorado Energy Office with compiling guidance and developing best practices for the adoption of clean energy in schools, including the use of solar panels, and understanding how much money schools can save.
The committee also advanced Bill 4, sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, which would improve access to educational health literacy materials for school districts. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.