Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to provide funding to support and grow a program known as Produce Rx in certain areas of Minnesota. This program focuses on improving public health by integrating access to fresh produce into medical care.

Main Provisions

• The bill allocates a budget from the general fund amounting to $410,300 each year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
• These funds are earmarked for the city of Minneapolis to sustain and expand the Produce Rx program.
• The expansion targets federally qualified health centers and school-based clinics located in Hennepin and Olmsted Counties.
• The bill sets a funding base of $410,300 for fiscal years 2028, 2029, and 2030, with no allocation planned for fiscal year 2031.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a financial commitment from the state to a public health initiative that links healthcare and nutrition through the distribution of produce prescriptions.
• It expands the existing Produce Rx program to cover additional health centers and school clinics, aiming to reach more individuals and families with access to fresh produce as part of healthcare services.

Relevant Terms

produce prescription, public health, general fund, federally qualified health centers, school-based clinics, Hennepin County, Olmsted County, fiscal year, appropriation, Minneapolis, health initiative.