Appropriation for the farm to school and early care program expanded, and eligibility for the farm to school and early care program modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samantha Vang

Expands funding and scope of Minnesota's Farm to School and Early Care program and broadens eligibility for schools, care providers, and local farmers.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Agriculture Finance and Policy

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HF 2785 — Appropriation for the Farm to School and Early Care Program Expanded, and Eligibility Modified

Overview

HF 2785 is an introduced bill in the Minnesota Legislature that would provide an appropriation to expand the Farm to School and Early Care program and modify the program’s eligibility requirements. The bill was introduced on March 24, 2025 and has been referred to the Agriculture Finance and Policy committee for its first reading.

What the bill would do (high-level)

Expand funding and scope for the Farm to School and Early Care program. The bill stipulates an appropriation intended to broaden the program’s reach and activities.

Modify eligibility for participation in the Farm to School and Early Care program. Changes would apply to which schools, early care providers, or other entities can participate, and under what criteria.

Note: Specific funding amounts, eligible entities, geographic coverage, and the exact eligibility criteria will be defined in the bill’s full text and any accompanying fiscal notes. At this stage, the language signals an expansion of support and a revision of who can participate.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and summary)

Appropriation: Creation or adjustment of financial resources dedicated to the Farm to School and Early Care program.

Expanded program: Measures intended to broaden the activities or reach of the program (e.g., more schools, more purchasing from Minnesota farms, or broader education/early care activities tied to local food).

Eligibility modification: Changes to the criteria that determine program participation, potentially affecting eligibility caps, qualifying institutions (e.g., K–12 schools, child care centers), or other eligibility conditions.

Who would be affected

Minnesota schools and early care providers participating in or seeking participation in the Farm to School and Early Care program.

Farmers and local food suppliers serving participating schools and care facilities.

State agencies involved in administering the program, particularly the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education.

District nutrition programs and related procurement operations.

Procedural and timeline notes

Status: Introduction and first reading; referred to Agriculture Finance and Policy.

Introduced: March 24, 2025.

Next steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, fiscal notes, public testimony, and eventual floor action if advanced. The full bill text will provide detailed implementation timelines, reporting requirements, and any administrative responsibilities.

Potential impacts and considerations

Fiscal impact: As an appropriation bill, it would commit state funds; the exact amount and annual funding profile will be defined in the enacted version.

Access and equity: Expanded eligibility could broaden access to local foods in schools and early care settings, with potential workforce and procurement implications.

Implementation: Administrative alignment between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education will shape how quickly and effectively expansions are rolled out.

For readers tracking the bill

Monitor the bill text for precise dollar figures, eligibility criteria, participating entities, reporting requirements, and implementation timelines.

Track committee hearings and fiscal notes through Minnesota Legislature resources to assess funding levels and administrative impact.