This 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 Minnesota Tribal governments based on a formula that considers the number of individuals living below the federal poverty level and the unemployment rate in the food bank's service area. The grant funds can be used for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food, as well as personal hygiene products, but cannot be used for compensating high-level employees.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $10 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support these regional food bank grants, with the same amount allocated for the following two fiscal years. Food banks and Tribal governments receiving these grants are required to maintain records of their expenditures and report back to the commissioner on their use of the funds. If any ineligible expenditures are identified, the funds must be repaid to the commissioner and deposited into the general fund.