GLEANING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 111. GLEANING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. (a) Gleaning Defined.— As used in this section, the term “gleaning” means— (1) obtaining harvested or unharvested agricultural products from farmers, processors, or retailers; or (2) obtaining food or meals donated by public or private entities (where State and local health and food safety regulations permit such donations); in order to facilitate the distribution of such products or such food or meals to needy individuals, but only if such products or such food or meals, and the access to such, are obtained with the permission of the owner and without charge therefor. (b) Duties.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide technical assistance to State and local agencies to- (1) assist such agencies in encouraging public and private nonprofit organizations to initiate and carry out gleaning activities and in providing technical assistance to organizations and individuals involved in gleaning; and (2) assist such agencies in collecting information on the kinds, amounts, and geographical location of agricultural products and food or meals available for gleaning. (c) Administration.—The Secretary of Agriculture may use Department of Agriculture employees and volunteers, as may be necessary, to carry out this section. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.—To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of fiscal years 1989 and 1990.