Bill
HF 1611
Overview: HF 1611, "Lawns to lunch pilot program funding provided, and money appropriated", was introduced on February 26, 2025. The bill's authors have since been expanded to incl
Overview: HF 1611, "Lawns to lunch pilot program funding provided, and money appropriated", was introduced on February 26, 2025. The bill's authors have since been expanded to include Falconer, Virnig, Gottfried, and Curran.
Purpose and Intent: The bill seeks to establish a new "Lawns to Lunch" pilot program within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The program aims to convert underutilized lawn spaces into community gardens that can provide fresh produce for local food assistance programs.
Key Provisions:
- Appropriates $2 million in funding for the Lawns to Lunch pilot program
- Directs the DNR to work with local governments and non-profit organizations to identify suitable lawn spaces for conversion
- Provides grants to cover the costs of converting lawns, including soil preparation, planting, and irrigation
- Requires participating organizations to donate a portion of the harvested produce to food shelves and meal programs
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would benefit low-income residents and food-insecure households by increasing access to fresh, locally-grown produce. It would also engage local communities in sustainable food production and reduce the environmental impact of traditional lawn maintenance.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently in the authors addition stage, with Falconer, Virnig, Gottfried, and Curran joining as co-authors. The next step would be for the bill to be referred to a committee for further consideration and potential advancement through the legislative process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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