PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

SEC. 4021. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:“SEC. 30. PILOT PROJECTS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY.“(a) In General.—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) Definitions.—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) Project Requirements.—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.132 STAT. 4653“(d) Evaluation.—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) Funding.—“(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.” .