SF1858 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Healthy eating, here at home program transfer to the Department of Health provision, fresh bucks pilot program establishment, and appropriation

Related bill: HF1534

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes transferring the administration of the "Healthy Eating Here at Home" program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Minnesota Department of Health. The program provides incentives for low-income Minnesotans to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Summer EBT benefits for purchasing healthy foods at Minnesota-based farmers markets, mobile markets, and direct-farmer sales.

The bill also establishes the "Fresh Bucks Pilot Program," which provides a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $20 per day and $80 per month) for SNAP and Summer EBT participants purchasing fresh produce from designated SNAP retailers. The Department of Health, in collaboration with a nonprofit organization, will oversee this program, ensuring funds are used appropriately and retailers meet specific eligibility criteria.

Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting on both programs' impact, the number of vouchers issued, participant demographics, and financial expenditures. It also directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to seek a federal waiver for integrating SNAP discounts into the Fresh Bucks program.

The bill includes funding appropriations and calls for repealing an outdated subdivision in existing legislation.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toState and Local Government
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthors added
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toHealth and Human Services