Senate Bill SF No. 257 is legislation aimed at supporting food banks in Minnesota through financial grants. Specifically, it allocates a total of $3,900,000 from the state's general fund over two fiscal years (2026 and 2027) to the commissioner of agriculture. This money is designated for grants to Second Harvest Heartland, which represents Minnesota's six Feeding America food banks. The funds are to be used for three primary purposes:

1. A portion of the grants ($850,000 each year) is reserved for purchasing milk from Minnesota milk processors. This milk is to be distributed to food shelves and other eligible charitable organizations across the state.

2. The bill also provides funds to help local agricultural producers and processors cover the costs associated with harvesting and packaging surplus fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products that would otherwise go unused. These products are then distributed to food banks and other eligible organizations across Minnesota.

3. Lastly, the money will be used to buy and distribute protein products like pork, poultry, beef, legumes, cheese, and eggs to food banks and charitable organizations.

Additionally, the bill requires Second Harvest Heartland to submit quarterly reports detailing how these funds are spent, including what was purchased and the organizations that received the food. The bill allows a small percentage of each grant to be used by Second Harvest Heartland for administrative expenses.