AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR NUTRITION ASSISTANCE.

HB 5831 appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to Connecticut's Department of Social Services for the Nutrition Assistance Program in fiscal year 2026, with a 15% annual increase thereafter. The bill amends existing law to allow soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters to charge a handling fee of up to five cents per pound (instead of being required to pay it) to cover costs through the Connecticut Food Bank. This funding directly supports the supplemental nutrition commodities program serving low-income residents. The key change simplifies cost recovery for food assistance providers while increasing state funding for the program.