Minnesota Grocers Association seeks $750K annually for Cards to Career program

The Minnesota House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee has taken a significant step to address ongoing workforce shortages in the retail food industry by advancing House File 1439. This proposal seeks a $750,000 annual appropriation from the workforce development fund to continue funding the successful "Carts to Career" program, which has been operational since 2019.

The Carts to Career initiative, administered by the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) in partnership with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), aims to enhance workforce development within the food industry—a sector that provides one in every twenty jobs in Minnesota. The program not only focuses on attracting new talent but also emphasizes the importance of retaining employees through educational opportunities and career advancement.

Steve Bartle, the MGA's Director of Government Relations, highlighted the program's multi-faceted approach to workforce expansion, which includes offering tuition grants and scholarships. He noted that the retail management certificate program, developed in collaboration with Alexandria Technical and Community College, has already produced significant results, with expectations of reaching 100 graduates statewide by next year.

In response to the pressing labor shortages, the program has also introduced new features aimed at hiring individuals with disabilities and those reentering the workforce after incarceration. Bartle emphasized the positive impact these initiatives have on both the industry and the individuals involved, fostering an inclusive work environment and providing stability for returning citizens.

The committee heard from various testifiers, including program graduates, who shared their success stories and the transformative impact of the Carts to Career program on their lives. The continued support for this initiative is seen as a crucial investment in Minnesota's economic future, ensuring that the food industry remains a viable and stable source of employment for generations to come.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of this funding could be far-reaching, potentially alleviating workforce shortages and enhancing career opportunities within the state's vital food sector.