FOOD LAW/SUPPORTS
Prepared by:
Jessica L. Webster, Policy Advocate
Legal Services Advocacy Project
651-222-3749, ext. 102
jlwebster@mnlsap.org

I. FEEDING MINNESOTA TASK FORCE
Chapter 94, Article 1, Section 80 (HF 1122)
Adds Minn. Stat. § 31.97
Effective August 1, 2009

Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a task force to study the consumption of Minnesota grown produce and livestock by facilitating the donation of harvested products to charities that provide food for hungry people. Requires the task force to define "hungry people." Requires representation on the task force from: (1) a food bank; (2) producers and growers; (3) the Minnesota Farmers Market Association; (4) Minnesota higher education institutions; (5) the food transportation industry; (6) statewide agricultural organizations; and (7) food processors. Requires a report to the Legislative agriculture finance committees November 1, 2010.

II. FOOD STAMPS AND GROUP RESIDENTIAL HOUSING
Chapter 79, Article 2, Section 12 (HF 1362)
Amends Minn. Stat. § 256I.05, subd. 7c
Effective August 1, 2009

Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to pursue the expansion of a demonstration project to gain additional federal reimbursement of food and nutrition costs currently paid by the state group residential housing program. Requires DHS to seek approval no later than October 1, 2009.

III. WIC VOUCHERS FOR ORGANIC FOOD
Chapter 114, Section 1 (SF 213)
Adds Minn. Stat. § 145.899
Effective May 21, 2009

Permits WIC vouchers to be used to purchase cost-neutral organic foods on the WIC-approved list. Requires the Department of Health to regularly review and add to the WIC-approved organic foods list.