The bill establishes the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, aimed at supporting food recovery organizations by providing grants for necessary equipment and operational costs. The program will assist organizations such as food banks, pantries, and shelters in purchasing equipment essential for the safe recovery and storage of food from donors. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, develop application criteria, and evaluate submissions to select grant recipients. Grants will be capped at $50,000 and can be used for employee compensation and administrative costs, with up to 10% of the grant allocated for these purposes.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to seek federal and non-State financial assistance to supplement the program's funding. It allows the department to utilize various funding sources, including federal grants and appropriations from the General Fund, prioritizing non-State funds before using state resources. The bill emphasizes the importance of proper food storage and preservation in enhancing the quality of food distributed to food-insecure individuals in New Jersey, reflecting the state's commitment to addressing food insecurity through improved infrastructure for food recovery.