HF 1148

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/19/2025 11:13am

A bill for an act
relating to food support; establishing the prepared meals food grant program;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
142F.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [142F.141] PREPARED MEALS FOOD RELIEF GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment new text end

new text begin The commissioner of children, youth, and families shall
establish a prepared meals grant program to provide hunger relief to Minnesotans
experiencing food insecurity and who have difficulty preparing meals due to limited mobility,
disability, or limited resources.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligible grantees. new text end

new text begin Eligible grantees are nonprofit organizations and federally
recognized American Indian Tribes or Bands located in Minnesota as defined in section
10.65 with a demonstrated history of providing and distributing prepared meals customized
for the population that they serve, including tailoring meals to the cultural, religious, and
dietary needs of the population served. Eligible grantees must prepare meals in a licensed
commercial kitchen and distribute meals according to ServSafe guidelines.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin Applicants for grant money under this section shall apply to the
commissioner on the forms and in the time and manner established by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Allowable uses of grant funds. new text end

new text begin Eligible grantees must use grant money awarded
under this section to fund a prepared meals program that primarily targets individuals
between 18 and 60 years of age and their dependents experiencing food insecurity. Grantees
must not receive funding from other state and federal meal programs for activities funded
under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Duties of the commissioner. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall develop a process
for determining eligible grantees under this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) In granting money, the commissioner shall prioritize applicants that:
new text end

new text begin (1) have demonstrated the ability to provide prepared meals to racially, ethnically, and
geographically diverse populations at greater risk for food insecurity;
new text end

new text begin (2) work with external community partners to distribute meals targeting nontraditional
meal sites reaching those most in need; and
new text end

new text begin (3) have a demonstrated history of sourcing at least 50 percent of the prepared meal
ingredients from:
new text end

new text begin (i) Minnesota food producers and processors; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) food that is donated or would otherwise be waste.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall consider geographic distribution to ensure statewide coverage
when awarding grants and minimize the number of grantees to simplify administrative
burdens and costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Grantees receiving money under this section must retain records
documenting expenditure of the money and comply with any additional documentation
requirements imposed by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grantees shall report on the use of money received under this section to the
commissioner. The commissioner shall determine the timing and form required for the
reports.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the commissioner determines that ineligible expenditures are made by grantees
receiving money under this section, the ineligible amount must be repaid to the commissioner
and deposited in the general fund.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PREPARED MEALS FOOD RELIEF GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 and $....... in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, section 142F.141.
new text end