MD HB56

State Department of Education required to establish a local food purchasing program for local school systems when funding is available, coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and Department of General Services

Program must procure foods from certified local farms, certified Chesapeake invasive species providers, and foods grown within a 250-mile radius of Maryland elementary or secondary schools, with preference given to certified local farms and Chesapeake invasive species providers

Price preference for locally grown food increased from 5% to 10%, and the Board of Public Works must adopt regulations allowing procurements limited exclusively to certified local farms

Department of Education required to report annually to the General Assembly by December 1 on the total number and dollar value of local food procurement contracts at local schools

Act takes effect July 1, 2025