1998 Minnesota Statutes

     119A.44 Foodshelf. 

    Subdivision 1.    Distribution of appropriation.  The 
 commissioner must distribute funds appropriated to the 
 commissioner by law for that purpose to the Minnesota Foodshelf 
 Association, a statewide association of foodshelves organized as 
 a nonprofit corporation as defined under section 501(c)(3) of 
 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to distribute to qualifying 
 foodshelves.  A foodshelf qualifies under this section if:  

    (1) it is a nonprofit corporation, or is affiliated with a 
 nonprofit corporation, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the 
 Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 

    (2) it distributes standard food orders without charge to 
 needy individuals.  The standard food order must consist of at 
 least a two-day supply or six pounds per person of nutritionally 
 balanced food items; 

    (3) it does not limit food distributions to individuals of 
 a particular religious affiliation, race, or other criteria 
 unrelated to need or to requirements necessary to administration 
 of a fair and orderly distribution system; 

    (4) it does not use the money received or the food 
 distribution program to foster or advance religious or political 
 views; and 

    (5) it has a stable address and directly serves individuals.

    Subd. 2.    Application.  In order to receive money 
 appropriated under this section, the Minnesota Foodshelf 
 Association must apply to the commissioner.  The application 
 must be in a form prescribed by the commissioner and must 
 indicate the proportion of money each qualifying foodshelf shall 
 receive.  Applications must be filed at the times and for the 
 periods determined by the commissioner.  

    Subd. 3.    Distribution formula.  The Minnesota 
 Foodshelf Association must distribute money distributed to it by 
 the department to foodshelf programs in proportion to the number 
 of individuals served by each foodshelf program.  The 
 commissioner must gather data from the Minnesota Foodshelf 
 Association or other appropriate sources to determine the 
 proportionate amount each qualifying foodshelf program is 
 entitled to receive.  The commissioner may increase or decrease 
 the qualifying foodshelf program's proportionate amount if the 
 commissioner determines the increase or decrease is necessary or 
 appropriate to meet changing needs or demands. 

    Subd. 4.    Use of money.  At least 96 percent of the 
 money distributed to the Minnesota Foodshelf Association under 
 this section must be distributed to foodshelf programs to 
 purchase, transport, and coordinate the distribution of 
 nutritious food to needy individuals and families.  No more than 
 four percent of the money may be expended for other expenses, 
 such as rent, salaries, and other administrative expenses of the 
 Minnesota Foodshelf Association. 

    Subd. 5.    Enforcement.  The Minnesota Foodshelf 
 Association must retain records documenting expenditure of the 
 money and comply with any additional requirements imposed by the 
 commissioner.  The commissioner may require the Minnesota 
 Foodshelf Association to report on its use of the funds.  The 
 commissioner may require that the report contain an independent 
 audit.  If ineligible expenditures are made by the Minnesota 
 Foodshelf Association, the ineligible amount must be repaid to 
 the commissioner and deposited in the general fund. 

    Subd. 6.    Administrative expenses.  All funds 
 appropriated under this section must be distributed to the 
 Minnesota Foodshelf Association as provided under this section 
 with deduction by the commissioner for administrative expenses 
 limited to 1.8 percent. 

    HIST: 1998 c 273 s 8