Bill > HF1534

This bill transfers the "Healthy Eating, Here at Home" program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health and establishes a new "Fresh Bucks Pilot Program" aimed at improving nutrition for low-income residents. The bill expands the existing program to include Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) alongside SNAP benefits, allowing eligible households to receive vouchers or matching funds for purchasing fresh produce at farmers' markets, mobile markets, and through direct farmer sales. The Fresh Bucks Pilot Program specifically provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 per day (with a monthly $80 limit) for produce purchases at SNAP retailers. The Department of Health will work with nonprofit organizations to administer grants, select participating retailers, and ensure geographic diversity in program implementation. The bill appropriates $500,000 annually for the existing program and $1,000,000 annually for the new Fresh Bucks Pilot Program, with funds available until January 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to submit a waiver request to the USDA to approve retailer participation and mandates an annual report detailing program metrics such as retailer participation, demographics served, and program costs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1534&ssn=0&y=2025