Maryland Farms and Families Fund – Purpose and Use – Alterations

HB 104 amends Maryland's Farms and Families Fund to clarify how grant funds must be distributed. It requires that at least 60% of funds received by qualifying nonprofits must go directly to farmers markets for coordinator support and matching SNAP/FMNP/WIC purchases, with a maximum of 40% for program administration. The bill increases the annual state appropriation for the Fund from $100,000 to $300,000 starting in fiscal year 2024, while specifying this funding is supplemental to existing agriculture marketing programs. The changes directly affect nonprofit organizations implementing the program, farmers markets accepting federal nutrition benefits, and food-insecure residents using SNAP/FMNP/WIC at participating markets. The core purpose - doubling purchasing power for residents and boosting farmer revenue - remains unchanged.