The Department of Social Services shall establish a supplemental nutrition commodities assistance program to provide funds for the purchase of high protein or other nutritionally beneficial supplemental foods, or both, for soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters. Such foods shall be purchased in bulk by the Connecticut Food Bank through in-state wholesalers or brokers, or both, and allotted to existing soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters in accordance with the established policies of the Connecticut Food Bank. Such soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters shall pay a handling charge of five cents per pound in order to cover the costs incurred by the Connecticut Food Bank. The food shall be distributed free of charge by the soup kitchens, food pantries and emergency shelters.