Colorado Farmers Could Get Tax Credit For Food Bank Donations In Proposed Bill

DENVER (CBS4)- Food banks across Colorado have seen historic demand over the past several years. Now a state lawmaker is proposing to help them with a unique plan.

Representative Mike McLachlan, a Democrat representing Durango, has introduced a bill that would offer Colorado farmers a 25 percent tax credit for donating fresh fruits and vegetables- both are in short supply at food banks.

"Food banks obtain a lot of processed foot already pulverized and contain a lot of salt, a lot of other materials so this gives a greater freedom to food banks to prepare the food in a healthier way," said McLachlan.

The tax credit would be capped at $5,000 per grower.

All donations would have to be made to certified food banks or emergency food service providers.