MN HF1786

$10,000,000 appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2021 to the commissioner of human services for a COVID-19 food relief grant program.

Grants support Minnesota-owned restaurants, catering companies, and food establishments with 50 or fewer full-time employees while providing meals to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity.

Eligible grantees are nonprofit community organizations that demonstrate need and ability to provide prepared meals; nonprofits providing technical assistance are also eligible.

Commissioner may use up to $1,000,000 of the appropriation for program administration and is exempt from certain procurement and audit statutes to expedite grant distribution.

Commissioner must begin issuing grants no later than January 15, 2021; the program expires March 31, 2021, and this is a one-time appropriation.