§ 2036d. Pilot projects to encourage the use of public-private partnerships committed to addressing food insecurity

• (a) The Secretary may, on application of eligible entities, approve not more than 10 pilot projects to support public-private partnerships that address food insecurity and poverty.
• (b) For purposes of this section—
  • (1) the term “eligible entity” means—
    • (A) a nonprofit organization;
    • (B) a community-based organization;
    • (C) an institution of higher education; or
    • (D) a private entity, as determined by the Secretary; and
  • (2) the term “public agency” means a department, agency, other unit, or instrumentality of Federal, State, or local government.
• (c) Projects approved under this section shall—
  • (1) be limited to 2 years in length; and
  • (2) include a collaboration between one or more public agencies and one or more eligible entities that—
    • (A) improves the effectiveness and impact of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
    • (B) develops food security solutions that are specific to the needs of a community or region; and
    • (C) strengthens the capacity of communities to address food insecurity and poverty.
• (d) The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of pilot projects approved under this section that includes—
  • (1) a summary of the activities conducted under the pilot projects;
  • (2) an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot projects; and
  • (3) best practices regarding the use of public-private partnerships to improve the effectiveness of public benefit programs to address food insecurity and poverty.
• (e)
  • (1) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 to remain available until expended.
  • (2) Only funds appropriated under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this section shall be available to carry out this section.