This bill aims to enhance health initiatives in Minnesota by transferring the "Healthy Eating, Here at Home" program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It establishes the Fresh Bucks pilot program, which will provide dollar-for-dollar matching on fresh produce purchases for eligible households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Summer EBT, with specific limits on the matching amount. The bill also includes provisions for annual reporting by nonprofit organizations that receive grant funds, detailing the operation of the program and its effectiveness.

Key amendments to Minnesota Statutes include the replacement of the Minnesota Humanities Center with the Department of Health as the administering body for the Healthy Eating program, and the repeal of a subdivision related to grocery store inclusion in the program. The bill appropriates $500,000 for the Healthy Eating program and $1,000,000 for the Fresh Bucks pilot program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the latter being a one-time appropriation. Additionally, the bill mandates a report to legislative committees on the program's reach and effectiveness, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 138.912