MN HF741

Appropriates $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to Second Harvest Heartland.

Grants compensate agricultural producers and processors for harvesting and packaging surplus fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural commodities that would otherwise go unharvested or discarded.

Surplus commodities must be distributed statewide to food shelves and other eligible charitable organizations through the six Feeding America food banks serving Minnesota.

All surplus food acquired must come from Minnesota producers and processors.

Second Harvest Heartland may use up to eight percent of grant funds for administrative expenses and must report to the commissioner as required.