SF 899

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 08/26/2015 03:06pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money for the farm to food shelf program.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; FARM TO FOOD SHELF PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to Second Harvest
Heartland on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks that serve Minnesota to
compensate agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred to harvest and
package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural commodities that
would otherwise go unharvested or be discarded. 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 appropriation must be from
Minnesota producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must report when
required by, and in the form prescribed by, the commissioner. Second Harvest Heartland
may use up to eight percent of any grant received for administrative expenses.
new text end