HF 1554

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/09/2023 11:36am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; requiring reports; appropriating money for grants to Second
Harvest Heartland.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $4,400,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $4,400,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to Second Harvest
Heartland on behalf of Minnesota's six Feeding America food banks for the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) to purchase milk for distribution to Minnesota's food shelves and other charitable
organizations that are eligible to receive food from the food banks. Milk purchased under
the grants must be acquired from Minnesota milk processors and based on low-cost bids.
The milk must be allocated to each Feeding America food bank serving Minnesota according
to the formula used in the distribution of United States Department of Agriculture
commodities under The Emergency Food Assistance Program. Second Harvest Heartland
may enter into contracts or agreements with food banks for shared funding or reimbursement
of the direct purchase of milk. Each food bank that receives funding under this clause may
use up to two percent for administrative expenses;
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new text begin (2) to compensate agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred to harvest
and package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural commodities that
would otherwise go unharvested, be discarded, or be sold in a secondary market. Surplus
commodities must be distributed statewide to food shelves and other charitable organizations
that are eligible to receive food from the food banks. Surplus food acquired under this clause
must be from Minnesota producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland may use up
to 15 percent of each grant awarded under this clause for administrative and transportation
expenses; and
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new text begin (3) to purchase and distribute protein products, including but not limited to pork, poultry,
beef, dry legumes, cheese, and eggs to Minnesota's food shelves and other charitable
organizations that are eligible to receive food from the food banks. Second Harvest Heartland
may use up to two percent of each grant awarded under this clause for administrative
expenses. Protein products purchased under the grants must be acquired from Minnesota
processors and producers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any unencumbered fiscal year
2024 balance does not cancel and is available in fiscal year 2025. Second Harvest Heartland
must submit quarterly reports to the commissioner in the form prescribed by the
commissioner. The reports must include but are not limited to information on the expenditure
of funds, the amount of milk or other commodities purchased, and the organizations to
which this food was distributed.
new text end