The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 7021, appropriates $10 million to the Department of Social Services (DSS) from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to support the Supplemental Nutrition Commodities Assistance Program. This program provides funding for Connecticut Foodshare (formerly known as the Connecticut Food Bank) to purchase nutritious foods, including produce and high-protein foods, in bulk for distribution to soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters. The bill mandates that at least 15% of the funds be used to buy products from state farmers and requires that the program's funding increase by at least 3% annually starting in fiscal year 2027.

Additionally, the bill modifies the handling fee structure for food distribution. While current law requires soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters to pay a handling fee of five cents per pound of food received, the new language allows Connecticut Foodshare to charge this fee rather than mandating it. The bill also includes technical changes for clarity and consistency, such as updating the name of the food distribution organization and removing certain phrases for accuracy. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 119: