The bill establishes the Minnesota Food Bank Program within the Department of Human Services, as outlined in the new section [256D.66] MINNESOTA FOOD BANK PROGRAM. The program will distribute funds to regional food banks based on the federal TEFAP formula and guidelines, ensuring that the money is used for purchasing food to be distributed free of charge to partner agencies. Additionally, the funds will cover handling and delivery fees to alleviate local costs associated with food distribution. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for a potential transfer of responsibilities for the Minnesota Food Bank Program to the newly proposed Department of Children, Youth, and Families, should related legislation pass in the 2024 session. This includes transfer provisions and renumbering of Minnesota Statutes, section 256D.66, within chapter 142F. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 for the program in fiscal year 2025, with the same amount allocated for the following two years, and stipulates that any unspent funds at the time of transfer will also be allocated to the new department.