HF1112

Purpose

Create regional food bank grants to increase the availability of food to individuals and families in need in Minnesota.

Key Provisions

• Establishment

  • The commissioner of children, youth, and families must establish regional food bank grants.

• Distribution of funds

  • Money appropriated for these grants is to be distributed to regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes or Bands in Minnesota, following the TEFAP formula and USDA guidelines.
  • The commissioner can adjust the proportionate amounts for recipients if necessary to meet community food needs or demands.
  • Recipients must be in compliance with TEFAP regulations to receive funding.

• Allowable uses of funds

  • Regional food banks: funds may be used to purchase food transport and coordinate distribution to TEFAP providers.
  • American Indian Tribes or Bands: funds may be used to purchase transport and coordinate distribution of food to individuals and families in need.
  • Additional allowed use: funds may be used to purchase personal hygiene products (e.g., diapers and toilet paper).

• Reporting and accountability

  • Recipients must keep records of how money is spent and follow any additional documentation requirements set by the commissioner.
  • Recipients must report back on how funds were used.
  • If ineligible expenditures are found, the misused amount must be repaid to the commissioner and deposited into the general fund.

Funding and Appropriation

• The bill appropriates 10,000,000 dollars in fiscal year 2026 and 10,000,000 dollars in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for the purposes of the regional food bank grants.

Significance and Policy Context

• Creates a new statutory program (regional food bank grants) under Minnesota Statutes chapter 142F.
• Aligns funding and distribution with the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) formula and USDA guidelines to coordinate aid through regional food banks and American Indian Tribes or Bands.
• Establishes accountability measures, including reporting requirements and repayment of ineligible expenditures.

Potential Implementation Considerations

• How TEFAP formula adjustments are implemented to reflect local needs.
• Ensuring ongoing compliance with TEFAP regulations to maintain funding.
• Administrative workload for the commissioner in tracking expenditures and reporting from both food banks and Tribes or Bands.

Relevant terms - regional food bank grants - TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program) - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - American Indian Tribes or Bands - regional food banks - commissioner of children, youth, and families - transportation and distribution of food - personal hygiene products (e.g., diapers, toilet paper) - general fund - appropriations (fiscal years 2026 and 2027) - reporting and compliance requirements