HI HB829

Establishes a five-year food hub pilot program under the Department of Agriculture to increase local food production and access to fresh food in underserved areas and "food deserts."

Authorizes grant funding to qualified applicants for construction and improvement of food hub facilities including aggregation, washing, processing, packaging, cold storage, and value-added facilities.

Provides technical assistance to develop in-state capacity to supply state institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities with locally produced food.

Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2021-2022 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the pilot program and grant awards to qualifying food hubs.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit interim reports to the legislature in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and a final report by 2026 with recommendations on whether the program should become permanent.