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 includes specific provisions regarding grant requirements, preferences for underserved communities, and the establishment of a special revenue account to fund the program. Notably, it reduces the allowable administrative costs for grant recipients from 20% to 5% of the award amount. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is tasked with developing rules for the program, reporting requirements, and presenting a biennial evaluation report to the economic affairs interim committee. The bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the program's implementation, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.