(a) The Hunger Relief Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. From appropriations to the Department from the Fund, the Department shall make grants to food banks for the purpose of purchasing food and related supplies. In this Section, “food bank” means a public or charitable institution that maintains an established operation involving the provision of food or edible commodities, or the products of food or edible commodities, to food pantries, soup kitchens, hunger relief centers, or other food or feeding centers that, as an integral part of their normal activities, provide meals or food to feed needy persons on a regular basis.
     (b) Moneys received for the purposes of this Section, including, without limitation, appropriations, gifts, donations, grants, and awards from any public or private entity must be deposited into the Fund. Any interest earned on moneys in the Fund must be deposited into the Fund.