Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Andrew Mathews that allows townships to grant funds to local community food shelves without charge passed the Minnesota Senate unanimously on Monday, April 23. Current state law allows for counties and cities to do so, however townships are excluded. This issue was brought to Senator Mathews by a local township supervisor who wished to change the law so that the township could provide resources to their local food shelf.

“This is a commonsense solution that helps all Minnesotans by increasing our ability to care for those who struggle with hunger in our communities,” said Senator Mathews. “As a firm believer in local control, townships should be treated no differently than counties or cities in their ability to spend their own resources. This legislation allows for locally elected officials to best determine how to help their neighbors.”

The bill also passed the Minnesota House with overwhelming bipartisan support. It now heads to the Governor for his signature.