Purpose of the Bill

The goal of this bill is to appropriate funds for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which aims to support local food procurement and distribution in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program: The bill creates a program where the Minnesota Department of Agriculture can give out grants to qualified applicants. These grants are intended to help procure and distribute food.
• Grant Preferences: When granting funds, preference is given to applicants fulfilling specific criteria:
  1. Local Sourcing: Applicants that source 100% of their food from within Minnesota.
  2. Support for Farmers: Applicants that source at least 70% of their food from farmers with limited access to land or markets, as defined by Minnesota law.
  3. Community Distribution: Priority is given to those distributing food for free to certain communities, particularly those in food deserts or low/moderate-income areas with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, such as individuals, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, Tribal and governmental entities, agricultural cooperatives, economic development organizations, and educational institutions.

Appropriations

The bill allocates funds from the general fund for this program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new funding and preferences for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, aimed at promoting local agricultural commerce and addressing food insecurity in underserved areas.

Relevant Terms

local food purchasing, grant program, food deserts, farmers with limited access, Minnesota-sourced food, free food distribution, vulnerable communities, fiscal appropriations.