Law No. 9.043 establishing the State Policy on the Humanitarian Use of Food and the Fight against Food Waste.

This Law establishes the State Policy for the Humanitarian Use of Food and the Fight against Food Waste in the State of Piauí. Its principal objective is to combat hunger and strengthen food and nutritional security by preventing food losses and redirecting surplus food fit for human consumption to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The law prioritises the safe, rapid and transparent redistribution of edible food that might otherwise be wasted, while promoting more efficient management throughout food production, distribution and consumption chains. It also seeks to expand access to meals and food assistance through donations, strengthen food banks and community kitchens, and ensure that edible food is used first for human consumption before alternative uses are considered. The law further aims to create an integrated system linking food donors, charitable organisations, food banks and social assistance entities through coordinated registration, logistics and standardised donation procedures. It promotes food and nutrition education, good sanitary practices, and the adoption of protocols that ensure food safety during collection, storage, transport and distribution. In addition, the legislation encourages the reduction of waste across the food system, prioritises support for vulnerable populations and territories, establishes transparency and performance indicators, and facilitates partnerships that improve the recovery and redistribution of surplus food in a manner consistent with public health and food safety requirements.