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. 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. Additionally, it repeals a subdivision related to grocery store inclusion in the program, streamlining the focus on farmers' markets and direct-farmer sales. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 138.912