The bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2430, proposes funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Grant Program. It allows the commissioner of agriculture to award grants to eligible applicants who will use the funds to procure and distribute food to communities in need.

Key Provisions:

1. Grant Allocation & Priorities:

   • Preference is given to applicants who:
     • Source 100% of food from Minnesota.
     • Obtain at least 70% of food from farmers facing limited land or market access (as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 17.133).
     • Distribute food for free to areas with low supermarket access, food deserts, or low/moderate-income communities, particularly targeting aging populations and people with disabilities.

2. Eligible Applicants:

   • Individuals
     
   • Nonprofit organizations
     
   • For-profit businesses
     
   • Tribal governments
     
   • Government entities
     
   • Agricultural cooperatives
     
   • Economic development organizations
     
   • Educational institutions
     

3. Funding:

   • Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota’s general fund to support the program.

This bill aims to strengthen local food systems, support underserved farmers, and improve food access for vulnerable communities in Minnesota.