Bill > HB56

This bill establishes a new Local Food Purchasing Program within the State Department of Education to procure local food for local school systems. The program will prioritize foods grown at certified local farms, certified Chesapeake invasive species, and foods grown within a 250-mile radius of an elementary or secondary school. The Department will give preference to providers who are certified local farms or certified Chesapeake invasive species providers. The bill modifies existing procurement regulations to allow the State Department of Education to establish this program when funding is available and requires coordination with the Departments of Agriculture and General Services. Additionally, the bill creates an Office for the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program with a goal of achieving 20% of total food procurement contracts from certified local farms and invasive species providers. The program also introduces a percentage price preference of up to 10% for locally grown food in state school and facility procurements, and allows schools to conduct procurements limited to responses from certified local farms. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to support local agriculture and improve food procurement practices in Maryland's school systems.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0056?ys=2025RS