MN SF2958

Establishes a good food access program within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to increase availability of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food in underserved communities in low-income and moderate-income areas through grants, loans, and technical assistance.

Creates a good food access account in the agricultural fund and appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2017, with no more than 15 percent reserved for administrative costs; money in the account shall not cancel at fiscal year end.

Authorizes the commissioner of agriculture to contract with economic or community development financial institutions to manage financing and with qualified organizations to provide technical assistance to grocery stores and small food retailers.

Requires funded projects to accept SNAP and WIC benefits, allocate at least 30 percent of retail space to nutritious foods, comply with data collection requirements, and promote hiring of local residents from low-income areas for at least five years.

Establishes a 17-member Good Food Access Program Advisory Committee with representatives from state agencies, grocery industry, economic development, cultural councils, philanthropic foundations, and food security organizations to advise on program management and criteria; requires annual legislative reports on program metrics including jobs created, dollars leveraged, and health outcomes.