2024 Legislative Session Summary

The 2024 Minnesota legislative session wrapped up last week, ending a legislative session marked by unique challenges, a reluctance for additional spending and the complexities of a bonding year. Despite these hurdles, The Food Group and the Minnesota Partners to End Hunger coalition successfully secured key policy wins that will help meet the pressing needs of our communities across the state. With Hunger Solutions becoming part of The Food Group this spring, advocacy is now a core area of our work. Here’s a look at the significant achievements from this session: 

Funding to Ensure Food Security for Minnesotans in Need

• $3.4 million one-time funding for food shelves: This additional allocation of funding will provide a one-time increase to the Minnesota Food Shelf Program, ensuring that food shelves across the state have the resources they need to support Minnesotans facing food insecurity.

• $5 million one-time funding for food banks: These funds will enable food banks to purchase and distribute free food to food shelves, expanding their capacity to serve their communities.

• $2 million one-time funding for Tribal food sovereignty: Supporting Tribal communities in their efforts to achieve food sovereignty, ensuring culturally relevant and sustainable food systems.

Support for Low-Income Families During Summer:

• Summer EBT funding: Secured funding for Summer EBT, which will provide low-income families with food support during the summer months, bridging the gap for when free school meals are not available.

Increased Access to Food Assistance for College Students: 

• Increased Access to SNAP: Passed a bill to make it easier for college students to access SNAP benefits, ensuring that students do not have to choose between their education and food security.

Medically Tailored Meals:

• Authorization for the Minnesota DHS to pursue an 1115 waiver: This legislation authorizes the Minnesota Department of Human Services to seek an 1115 waiver to provide medically tailored meals to individuals with specific medical needs.

Farm to School Funding:

• Increased funding for the Farm to School program: Additional funds were passed to help support farmers who provide schools with fresh, locally sourced produce.

These accomplishments will help put food on the table for many who are struggling across the state and represent a significant step forward in the fight against food security in Minnesota.

Thank you to all of the supporters, partners and fellow advocates who played a crucial role in these victories. Together, we can build a strong, more just food system for all.

Want to get involved in our work to fight hunger across the state? Sign up for our Action Alert Network here.