Oropeza's bill was approved by the Senate Governmental Organization Committee on Tuesday. It now heads to the Appropriations Committee.
"It's heartwarming to see that our leading policymakers understand this is an issue that can mean the difference between having a wholesome meal or going hungry," Oropeza said. "There simply is too much perfectly good food being wasted in California."
The trick to making this work is for food businesses to be receptive to contacting nonprofit groups that will handle pickup and delivery of leftover food. They're out there -- Angel Harvest in Los Angeles, for example -- but they typically need plenty of advance word to arrange logistics.
It's shameful that so much food goes to waste during a time of such extreme need. All we need is to work together to ensure that leftovers from banquets and hotel functions are put to good use.
And think of all the good karma that can be earned in the process.
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David Lazarus' column runs Wednesday and Sundays. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.
