1997 Minnesota Code
Chapters 268 - 269 Economic Security
Chapter 268 Department of Economic Security
Section 268.55 Foodshelf program.

268.55 Foodshelf program.

Subdivision 1. Distribution of appropriation. The department of economic security shall distribute funds appropriated to it by law for that purpose to the Minnesota Foodshelf Association, a statewide association of foodshelves organized as a nonprofit corporation as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to distribute to qualifying foodshelves. A foodshelf qualifies under this section if:

(1) it is a nonprofit corporation, or is affiliated with a nonprofit corporation, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

(2) it distributes standard food orders without charge to needy individuals. The standard food order must consist of at least a two-day supply or six pounds per person of nutritionally balanced food items;

(3) it does not limit food distributions to individuals of a particular religious affiliation, race, or other criteria unrelated to need or to requirements necessary to administration of a fair and orderly distribution system;

(4) it does not use the money received or the food distribution program to foster or advance religious or political views; and

(5) it has a stable address and directly serves individuals.

Subd. 2. Application. In order to receive money appropriated under this section, the Minnesota Foodshelf Association must apply to the department of economic security. The application must be in a form prescribed by the department of economic security and must indicate the proportion of money each qualifying foodshelf shall receive. Applications must be filed at the times and for the periods determined by the department of economic security.

Subd. 3. Distribution formula. The Minnesota Foodshelf Association shall distribute money distributed to it by the department of economic security to foodshelf programs in proportion to the number of individuals served by each foodshelf program. The department of economic security shall gather data from the Minnesota Foodshelf Association or other appropriate sources to determine the proportionate amount each qualifying foodshelf program is entitled to receive. The department of economic security may increase or decrease the qualifying foodshelf program's proportionate amount if it determines the increase or decrease is necessary or appropriate to meet changing needs or demands.

Subd. 4. Use of money. At least 96 percent of the money distributed to the Minnesota Foodshelf Association under this section must be distributed to foodshelf programs to purchase, transport and coordinate the distribution of nutritious food to needy individuals and families. No more than four percent of the money may be expended for other expenses, such as rent, salaries, and other administrative expenses of the Minnesota Foodshelf Association.

Subd. 5. Enforcement. The Minnesota Foodshelf Association must retain records documenting expenditure of the money and comply with any additional requirements imposed by the department of economic security. The department of economic security may require the Minnesota Foodshelf Association to report on its use of the funds. The department of economic security may require that the report contain an independent audit. If ineligible expenditures are made by the Minnesota Foodshelf Association, the ineligible amount must be repaid to the department of economic security and deposited in the general fund.

Subd. 6. Administrative expenses. All funds appropriated under this section must be distributed to the Minnesota Foodshelf Association as provided under this section with deduction by the commissioner for administrative expenses limited to 1.8 percent.

HIST: 1991 c 291 art 21 s 5; 1993 c 369 s 88; 1994 c 483 s 1