Suburban Solutions Caucus Launches “Supporting Your Backyard” 2026 Legislative Initiative

St. Paul — State Representative and Co-Chair of the Suburban Solutions Caucus Andrew Myers today announced the launch of the caucus’s 2026 legislative initiative, “Supporting Your Backyard,” a plan focused on addressing food insecurity across Minnesota.

The initiative aims to expand donation opportunities, reduce barriers to donating items such as eggs and venison, support local food shelves, invest in infrastructure, and better connect Minnesota farmers with families in need as demand continues to grow in suburban and rural communities.

“Minnesota farmers grow some of the best food in the world,” said Rep. Ben Bakeberg. “At the same time, too many families are struggling to put quality food on the table. Supporting Your Backyard is about connecting those dots, supporting our farmers, reducing waste, and making sure our neighbors have access to fresh, healthy food.”

Food shelf visits in Minnesota have reached historic highs, with suburban communities experiencing particularly sharp increases. The initiative encourages collaboration between farmers, food shelves, and community partners while addressing barriers such as liability protections, transportation logistics, and administrative hurdles that can discourage donations.

“This initiative is about strengthening the connections that already exist in our communities,” said Rep. Andrew Myers. “Minnesotans are incredibly generous, and our goal is to make it easier for farmers, hunters, and businesses to donate locally produced food. By supporting local agriculture and reducing barriers to giving, we can help food shelves meet growing needs while strengthening our communities.”

For more information, visit www.suburbansolutionscaucus.com.