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.

For purposes of this section—

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.

Projects approved under this section shall—

(1) be limited to 2 years in length; and

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.

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.

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 to remain available until expended.

(1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 to remain available until expended.

(2) Appropriation in advance Only funds appropriated under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this section shall be available to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 88–525, § 30, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title IV, § 4021, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4652.)