The bill establishes a new program for regional food bank grants under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 142F, aimed at increasing food availability for individuals and families in need. The commissioner of children, youth, and families is tasked with creating these grants, which will be distributed to regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes or Bands in Minnesota. The distribution of funds will follow the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) guidelines, allowing the commissioner to adjust funding amounts based on community needs. To qualify for funding, food banks and tribes must comply with TEFAP regulations.

Additionally, the bill outlines the allowable uses of the funds, which include purchasing, transporting, and distributing food, as well as acquiring personal hygiene products. It mandates that recipients maintain records of expenditures and report their use of the funds to the commissioner. If any ineligible expenditures are identified, the funds must be repaid to the commissioner. The bill appropriates $10 million for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support these regional food bank grants.