Maryland Farms and Families Fund - Purpose and Use - Alterations

More farmers market help for SNAP families

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland Farms and Families Fund money can support matching purchases through SNAP, WIC, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. It can also fund nonprofit farmers markets’ marketing and logistical needs, plus nonprofit organizations or other responsible persons supporting participating markets. Maryland’s Agriculture Department can use Fund money to run all or part of the Program itself. Outside funding recipients must show experience in food incentive programs, fund distribution and reporting, market training, outreach, surveys, and fund management. The Department may also consider experience serving healthy food priority areas. Recipients must send at least 60% of their money directly to participating markets for local market access coordinators and matching purchases. No more than 40% can cover program development, outreach, training, technical help, data collection, evaluation, administration, and reporting. Recipients must report within 90 days after each calendar year ends. The law sets no funding amount and guarantees no set household benefit.