House Bill No. [insert number] establishes the "Farm to Food Bank Act," which creates a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture to support farm to food bank activities in Montana. The program aims to strengthen local food economies by providing a new market for Montana farmers and ranchers, expanding access to fresh, local products for low-income consumers, and fostering relationships between producers and consumers. The bill outlines the purpose of the program, which includes supporting regional food hubs, creating consumer markets for local farmers, and ensuring equitable access to grant funds across the state.

The bill also details the requirements for grant applications, emphasizing a competitive process that prioritizes applicants who can reach underserved communities, particularly in rural areas and tribal reservations. It specifies that grant funds must be used for purchasing Montana-grown food products and limits administrative costs to 5% of the award amount, a reduction from the previous 20%. Additionally, the bill establishes a special revenue account for the grant program, mandates reporting requirements for the Department of Agriculture, and appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the program's implementation, effective July 1, 2025.