MD HB774

Expands eligibility for hunger-free campus designation to include private 4-year institutions of higher education and regional higher education centers, while explicitly prohibiting private institutions from receiving grant funding under the program.

Increases the annual budget appropriation for the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program from $150,000 to $225,000 beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Removes the previous requirement that grant recipients provide a matching contribution of at least $25,000 in cash or in-kind, and eliminates specific grant allocation ranges ($25,000-$150,000) for first-time recipients.

Removes the requirement that the Commission's report include demographic data of students benefiting from the program and information on best practices among other hunger-free campus programs.

Takes effect July 1, 2025, with the Maryland Higher Education Commission continuing to administer the program and determine individual grant amounts.