This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's Healthy Eating Here at Home program and establishes a new Fresh Bucks Pilot Program. Below is a summary of its key provisions:

1. Transfer of the Healthy Eating Here at Home Program

• Moves the administration of the Healthy Eating Here at Home program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health.
• The program provides incentives for low-income Minnesotans using SNAP or Summer EBT benefits to purchase healthy foods at Minnesota-based farmers markets, mobile markets, and direct-farmer sales (e.g., CSA shares).
• The Department of Health will now be responsible for allocating grants to nonprofit organizations to distribute vouchers for SNAP or Summer EBT participants when they make eligible purchases.
• Nonprofits must report annually on the number of vouchers issued, people served, and the program’s effectiveness.

2. Establishment of the Fresh Bucks Pilot Program

• The Fresh Bucks Pilot Program is created to help SNAP and Summer EBT participants purchase fresh produce at participating retailers.
• Eligible households using EBT cards can receive a dollar-for-dollar match on the purchase of fresh produce up to:
  • $20 per day per household, and
  • $80 per month per household.
• Fresh produce is defined as whole or cut fruits and vegetables with no added sugars, fats, oils, or salt.

3. Program Administration & Retailer Selection Criteria

• The Department of Health will oversee the program, working with a selected nonprofit organization to:
  • Develop program guidelines.
  • Select SNAP retailers based on criteria such as good standing with SNAP, commitment to implementing the program within 90 days, and willingness to report data and undergo audits.
  • Establish financial tracking methods to ensure reimbursements and program expenses do not exceed available funds.
• The program will aim for geographic diversity and promote locally grown food when possible.

4. USDA Waiver Request

• The Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families must request a waiver from the USDA to allow SNAP retailers to provide produce discounts under this program.

5. Reporting Requirements

• The Department of Health, along with the nonprofit organization, will submit a detailed report to the Legislature covering:
  • Number and locations of participating retailers.
  • Demographics of beneficiaries.
  • Program costs and effectiveness.

6. Appropriations & Repeal of an Existing Statute

• The bill provides funding for the programs (exact amounts unspecified).
• It repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 138.912, subdivision 7 (previously governing the Healthy Eating Here at Home program).

Purpose of the Bill

• This bill aims to expand access to healthy food for low-income Minnesotans.
• It streamlines program administration by moving it to the Department of Health.
• The Fresh Bucks Pilot Program provides additional financial incentives for fresh produce purchases at grocery stores, small retailers, and gas stations.
• Focuses on data collection and program effectiveness evaluation.

Next Steps

• The bill will be reviewed by the Committee on Health Finance and Policy before further consideration.