House Bill No. introduced by a group of legislators establishes the "Farm to Food Bank Act," which aims to create a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture to support farm to food bank activities in Montana. The program is designed 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 enhancing producer-consumer relationships. 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 for grant requirements, emphasizing a competitive application process that prioritizes applicants who can reach underserved communities, particularly in rural areas and tribal reservations. It also establishes a special revenue account for the grant program, detailing funding sources and administrative costs. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is tasked with reporting on the program's effectiveness, including the increase in purchases of Montana-grown products. The bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the program and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Notably, the bill reduces the allowable administrative costs for grant recipients from 20% to 5%.