Maryland Farms and Families Fund - Purpose and Use - Alterations

SB 226 modifies how the Maryland Farms and Families Fund distributes grants to support local food access programs. It requires grantees to allocate at least 60% of funds directly to farmers markets for coordinator support and matching purchases using SNAP, FMNP, and WIC benefits, while limiting administrative use to 40%. The bill updates eligibility criteria for nonprofit organizations, requiring demonstrated experience in healthy food programs and community outreach. It also clarifies that the annual $300,000 appropriation for the Fund must supplement, not replace, existing agriculture marketing funding. This affects nonprofit organizations, farmers markets, and food-insecure residents using federal nutrition benefits in Maryland.