This bill appropriates funds for Minnesota's Farm to Food Shelf program, specifically providing grants to Second Harvest Heartland on behalf of Minnesota's five Feeding America food banks.

Key Provisions:

1. Funding Allocation:

   • $1,950,000 per year in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture for grants to Second Harvest Heartland.
   • The base appropriation of $1,950,000 per year continues for fiscal year 2028 and beyond.

2. Use of Funds:

   • Milk Purchasing ($850,000 per year):
     • Must be purchased from Minnesota milk processors using low-cost bids.
     • Distributed to food shelves and charitable organizations according to the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program formula.
     • Food banks can use up to 2% of funds for administrative expenses.
   • Harvesting & Packaging Surplus Commodities:
     • Compensates Minnesota agricultural producers and processors for gathering surplus fruits, vegetables, and other commodities that would otherwise be discarded or sold at a lower price.
     • Up to 15% of these grants may be used for administrative and transportation expenses.
   • Purchasing & Distributing Protein Products:
     • Covers protein items such as pork, poultry, beef, dry legumes, cheese, and eggs.
     • Must be sourced from Minnesota producers and processors.
     • Up to 2% may be used for administrative expenses.
   • The Good Acre Produce Purchases ($500,000 per year):
     • Funds allocated to purchase produce from The Good Acre, a nonprofit farm support organization.
     • Up to 2% of these funds may be used for administrative costs.

3. Reporting Requirement:

   • Quarterly reports must be submitted to the commissioner of agriculture and legislative committees overseeing agriculture finance.
   • Reports must detail:
     • Fund expenditures
     • Amount of food purchased
     • Organizations receiving the food

Summary:

This bill secures continued financial support for Minnesota’s Farm to Food Shelf program, ensuring food banks receive milk, surplus agricultural products, protein items, and produce to distribute to food shelves. It sets administrative spending limits, prioritizes Minnesota-based producers and processors, and establishes quarterly reporting requirements for transparency.