Passed Policies
Maryland Food System Resiliency Council – Establishment & Expansion (HB0032)
Summary: Strengthens Maryland’s statewide coordination around food system resilience, emergency response, and long-term food access planning.
Impact: Establishes stronger cross-agency infrastructure to ensure families can access food during crises.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Governor (Chapter 573).
Urban Agriculture Grant Fund Expansion (HB0152 / SB0152)
Summary: Expands Maryland’s Urban Agriculture Grant Program to support local growers and community-based food production.
Impact: Increases funding to urban farms and food access projects in underserved neighborhoods.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Governor (Chapter 519).
Electronic Benefits Transfer Security Expansion (HB0502)
Summary: Strengthens Maryland’s protections for SNAP recipients by improving EBT security measures and fraud prevention.
Impact: Helps families avoid losing essential food benefits to skimming and fraud.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Governor (Chapter 172).
Maryland Medical Assistance Program & SNAP/WIC Systems Alignment (HB0111)
Summary: Improves integration within the Medical Assistance Program and food benefit systems to streamline services.
Impact: Makes it easier for families to navigate and maintain food and health benefits.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Governor (Chapter 283).
Innovative Potable Reuse Pilot Program – Drinking Water Access (SB0407)
Summary: Establishes a pilot program for innovative water reuse solutions, benefiting communities lacking reliable clean water.
Impact: Supports health equity and environmental safety in vulnerable communities.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Governor (Chapter 123).
Advocacy Efforts (Bills We Supported That Did Not Advance)
Healthy School Meals for All (HB0628)
Summary: Would have provided free meals to all Maryland students, regardless of income.
Why It Mattered: A major step toward eliminating child hunger and supporting student health and learning.
Outcome: Did not advance out of committee (2023).
Counties & State Legislative Districts – Food System Representation (HB008)
Summary: Proposed improving representation of food system needs in legislative redistricting processes.
Why It Mattered: Would have strengthened food equity considerations in county planning.
Outcome: Unfavorable report; did not advance.
On-Farm Composting & Solid Waste Diversion (HB1139)
Summary: Sought to expand on-farm composting operations to support local food systems and reduce waste.
Why It Mattered: Would have increased soil health, supported farmers, and improved food resilience.
Outcome: Received an unfavorable report.
our latest policy work
Food as Medicine Health Program Act (CB-067-2025)
Summary: Establishes a countywide Food as Medicine Health Program in Prince George’s County, supporting produce prescriptions, medically tailored groceries, and nutrition-based clinical services for residents with chronic health conditions.
Impact: Expands access to nutritious foods for patients, strengthens partnerships between healthcare providers and local food organizations, and integrates food insecurity screening and referrals into clinical care.
Status: Passed — Approved by the Prince George’s County Council in 2025 following strong community and stakeholder support.