Bill > HF3586

This bill establishes a new regional food bank grant program, overseen by the commissioner of children, youth, and families, to improve access to food for those in need. The program will distribute appropriated funds to regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments, using a formula that considers the number of people with incomes below the federal poverty level and the number of unemployed individuals in their service areas. Grant money can be used to buy, transport, and distribute food and personal hygiene items like diapers and toilet paper, which must be provided at no cost to approved distribution sites. However, grant funds cannot be used to pay for the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, key employees, or highest-compensated employees. Recipients must keep records of their spending and report on how the money was used, and any improperly spent funds must be repaid. The bill also appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, with the same amount designated as the base for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, to fund these grants.