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 redefinition of the administering body for the Healthy Eating program, now under the Department of Health, and the introduction of new definitions and eligibility criteria for the Fresh Bucks pilot program. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for both the Healthy Eating program and the Fresh Bucks pilot program, totaling $2 million over two fiscal years. It also repeals a subdivision related to grocery store inclusion in the program, streamlining the focus on farmers' markets and direct-farmer sales. The bill is set to take effect the day after final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 138.912