SB2778

What this bill does

Creates the Comprehensive Charitable Food System Coordination Act. Provides that State agencies involved in administering or appropriating State or State-managed federal grant funds for hunger relief shall consult and coordinate, to the extent practicable, with all categories of actors within the charitable food system. Further provides that those State agencies shall ensure that grant solicitations and funding criteria reflect the interconnected roles of food providers, distributors, producers, facilitators, and data systems. Requires those State agencies to consider proposals that strengthen coordination, efficiency, resiliency, and equity across the charitable food system. Provides that State agencies may establish advisory groups composed of representatives from food providers and distributors. Provides that each State agency administering hunger relief grant funds shall submit an annual report to the appropriate State oversight entity describing: how actors in the charitable food system were engaged in grant planning, allocation, and evaluation; measurable impacts on food access, food quality, and community resilience; and barriers or opportunities identified through cross-sector collaboration. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall make grants to food banks and providers (rather than food banks only). Defines "provider" as a public or charitable organization that is unaffiliated with a food bank, that maintains an operation involving the provision of food or edible commodities, and that, as an integral part of its normal activities, provides meals or food to feed needy persons on a regular basis. Effective July 1, 2026.