Bill > HB9

This bill modifies the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council's mandate and definitions to address food insecurity and system resilience. The bill introduces two new definitions: "healthy food priority areas" as predominantly lower-income regions with limited access to affordable, healthy food retailers, and "wasted food" as food not used for its intended purpose, which can be managed through donations, animal feed, composting, anaerobic digestion, or disposal. The Council is now required to make recommendations aimed at increasing local food availability, creating market opportunities for Maryland food businesses, and expanding access to small-scale food production infrastructure. The bill expands the Council's goals to include addressing racial inequities in the food system, reducing diet-related public health disparities, and minimizing food scarcity in priority areas. The Council must continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including residents with food insecurity experience and local food council organizations. Additionally, the bill removes previously specified reporting dates and now mandates that the Council submit an annual report to the General Assembly starting November 1, 2023, detailing key findings, potential policy changes, and Council activities. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0009?ys=2025RS