St. Paul, MN – A new state law to reduce hunger by reimbursing Minnesota’s farmers for donating excess crops to food shelves has reached a major milestone. To date, farmers have donated over one million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables using ‘Farm-to-Food Shelf’ grants approved by the Minnesota legislature this year that help offset costs to harvest and package crops which would otherwise go unharvested or be discarded.
State Representative Jeanne Poppe (DFL – Austin), Chair of the Agriculture Policy Committee and chief author of the law that funds the Farm-to-Food Shelf grant program, is encouraging more farmers to participate.
“If you find yourself with excess crops during this year’s harvest, please consider donating them to help feed hungry children, seniors and families in your community,” said Poppe. “You’ll be reimbursed if you meet certain criteria thanks to a $2 million appropriation approved by a strong bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers. Together, we can give a helping hand to people in need. This is a win-win-win for Minnesota families, farmers and food shelves.”
Farm-to-Food Shelf grants are administered by Second Harvest Heartland on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks serving Minnesota. To learn more about eligibility, reimbursement amounts and more, agricultural producers and processors can call (877) 547-0245, email produce@2harvest.org or visit www.harvesttoendhungermn.org/share_fresh_mn.html.