This bill proposes transferring 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 who use SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Summer EBT benefits to purchase healthy foods at Minnesota-based farmers markets, mobile markets, and direct farmer sales.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Transfer: Shifts administration of the Healthy Eating Here at Home program to the Minnesota Department of Health.
2. Vouchers for Healthy Purchases: The Department of Health will allocate grants to nonprofit organizations to provide vouchers for SNAP/Summer EBT participants who purchase eligible food items at farmers markets.
3. Geographic Balance: When awarding grants, the department must ensure funds are distributed statewide to reach eligible households across Minnesota.
4. Reporting Requirement: Nonprofit organizations receiving funds must annually report data on vouchers issued, people served, and program effectiveness.

Fresh Bucks Pilot Program

The bill also establishes a temporary Fresh Bucks Pilot Program to support SNAP and Summer EBT participants in accessing healthier food options through traditional retailers.

1. Program Details:

   • Participants will receive a dollar-for-dollar match when purchasing fresh produce at selected SNAP retailers (grocery stores, small food retailers, and gas stations).
   • Limited to $20 per day and $80 per household per month.
   • The program remains active until allocated funds run out.

2. Program Administration:

   • The Department of Health will oversee the program with assistance from a nonprofit organization.
   • Responsibilities include developing guidelines, selecting SNAP retailers, monitoring fund usage, reimbursing retailers, and preventing fraud.

3. Waiver Request: The Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families must submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking approval to allow SNAP and Summer EBT participants to receive discounts at participating retailers.

4. Reporting: The Department of Health must submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing:

   • Number and location of participating retailers.
   • Demographics of served populations.
   • Costs of running the program.
   • Effectiveness and impact of the initiative.

Statute Amendment & Repeal

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 138.912 to reflect the program's transfer to the Department of Health.
• It also repeals section 138.912, subdivision 7, likely replacing prior administrative language.

Appropriation

• Includes funding allocations for both programs, though specific dollar amounts are not mentioned in the summary.

Overall Purpose

The bill aims to: - Improve access to fresh, nutritious foods for low-income Minnesotans. - Support farmers markets and other local food sources. - Expand healthy food options within retail grocery settings through the Fresh Bucks Pilot. - Ensure effective oversight and statewide reach by centralizing program management under the Department of Health.

Would you like any specific details clarified?