New State Law Provides Incredible, Edible Impact

The month of August began sunny side up for Minnesota’s hunger relief network. That’s because a new state law went into effect allowing food banks and food shelves to get more eggs into the community. Passed with unanimous support from Minnesota lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session, the new law allows retailers and distributors to donate eggs to hunger relief organizations up to 30 days beyond the quality assurance, or sell-by, date printed on the carton. Prior to this, Minnesota was one of the only states that restricted eggs from being donated after their sell-by date, even though the USDA and FDA recognize eggs stay safe and nutritious for several more weeks when properly stored. 

Now, instead of throwing eggs out once the sell-by date is reached, retailers can donate them to help those experiencing hunger. As part of the new law, food banks and food shelves must re-label the cartons to note the 30-day extension and adhere to all food safety recommendations. 

Eggs are one of the most requested and sought-after food items by Second Harvest Heartland’s partner food shelves. In fact, last year alone, Second Harvest Heartland distributed nearly 300,000 pounds (or 200,000 dozen) eggs to our partners. Now, with this change in law, we’ll be able to source and distribute even more! 

“The fact that this law passed with unanimous support shows food has the power to unite us,” said Second Harvest Heartland CEO Sarah Moberg. “We are grateful for the support this effort has received from every single state lawmaker in Minnesota – and grateful to our retail rescue partners who have the opportunity to further support the hunger relief network and our shared goals of making sure no one in Minnesota goes hungry.” 

Less than two weeks after the law went into effect, Second Harvest Heartland was joined by members from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Grocers Association at ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka to celebrate this egg-stravagant achievement.