MN HF5126

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education in fiscal year 2025 for grants to school districts and charter schools operating online learning programs to provide free meals to online students.

School districts or charter schools may apply for grants to partner with established nonprofit meal providers, with at least one grant awarded to a program serving greater Minnesota students and at least one grant to a program serving metropolitan area students.

Meals provided must be ready-to-eat or require minimal preparation and may be distributed on a weekly or other commissioner-approved schedule from central or regional locations.

Grantees must report the number of meals provided per student to the commissioner, who must report by January 15 annually on grants awarded, online students served, and food types delivered; by January 15, 2026, the commissioner must recommend expansion strategies and delivery efficiency improvements.

Up to five percent of appropriation may be retained for grant management, and funds are available until June 30, 2026.