Regional food bank grant fund aims to help ‘backbone of the ecosystem’

Where does the food come from at the local food shelf?

Besides community donations, most is provided by the six regional food banks throughout the state that purchase, deliver and supply food to the local food shelves.

HF1112, sponsored by Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL-Woodbury), would establish a regional food bank grant of $10 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The bill was laid over Wednesday by the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee for possible inclusion in a larger bill.

“These food banks are kind of the backbone of the ecosystem, using their large purchasing power to source and distribute most of the food available at food shelves, as well as food distribution programs throughout the state,” Hemmingsen-Jaeger said.

The funding would be distributed to the six regional food banks and tribal communities in Minnesota by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The bill would require funds to be used to purchase, transport and coordinate the distribution of food and personal hygiene products to The Emergency Food Assistance Program that helps supplement the diets of low-income people by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

“I appreciate the fact that this bill specifically outlines how this money can be utilized,” said Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont).

The bill also has protections to make sure the funds are being used as intended.

“There must be documented purchases and expenditures,” Hemmingsen-Jaeger said. “Should the commissioner find something that is not in alignment they can actually deem the expense ineligible, and that expense must be repaid.”

Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland, said the state currently provides no money to the regional food banks and this grant funding is desperately needed.

“The need is much greater than this ask, but understanding the challenges you face in balancing the budget now and into the future, we believe this is both meaningful and reasonable.”