Lugar Release on CARE Bill

[2] The CARE Act includes Lugar's legislation, The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive bill. The measure is designed to increase donations to food banks, soup kitchens and other hunger relief charities. The legislation would make it easier for restaurants, food processors and farmers to contribute food to food banks, pantries and homeless shelters by allowing the deduction of the full market value of food donated. Under current tax law, the deduction allowed does not cover expenses incurred by the business.

[3] "Under current law it is cheaper for a business or farmer to throw leftover food away than donate it to the hungry. This should not be the case," said Lugar. "This bill is a reasonable and efficient way to make certain that hunger relief organizations have a sufficient supply of food for hungry people in their communities."

[4] This is a measure that gained momentum during the last session of Congress. The item, which achieved broad support in the Senate, was also inserted into the charitable giving tax package last session. However, time ran out of the 107th session before it could be approved.

[5] "It is estimated that food banks provide meals to more than 23 million Americans, 8 million of which are children" Lugar added. "As the economy has suffered, more Americans need assistance and at the same time, donations to food banks, have dropped. I believe this bill can help increase donations for these community safety nets.

[6] "I have been especially impressed by the remarkable work of food banks in Indiana. In many cases, they have partnered with churches and faith-based organizations and are making a tremendous difference in our communities. We should support this private sector activity, which not only feeds people, but also strengthens community bonds and demonstrates the power of faith, charity and civic involvement."