FL H1379

Directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to implement a pilot program, subject to appropriation, incentivizing Florida growers to contribute high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables to food recovery entities, with a goal of reaching 50 million pounds in annual contributions by July 1, 2025.

Defines eligible "food recovery entities" as nonprofit associations with at least 20 years of operation in Florida that have received a minimum of 10 million pounds of perishable produce annually for the last 3 years.

Allows food recovery entities to negotiate produce prices and reimburse agricultural companies on a dollar-for-dollar basis for picking, packing, precooling, and transporting produce that meets USDA grade 1 or 2 standards and is shipped within 7 days of harvest.

Requires the department to reimburse food recovery entities dollar-for-dollar for produce purchases plus 10 cents per pound for distribution costs, upon submission of detailed invoices including ship date, harvest date, delivery location, weight, and price information.

Appropriates $5 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and requires the department to submit a report with legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2022.