MD SB177

State Department of Education must establish a program, when funding is available, to procure local food for local school systems in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Department of General Services

Eligible products include foods grown at certified local farms, certified Chesapeake invasive species from the Chesapeake Bay, and foods grown within a 250-mile radius of Maryland elementary or secondary schools, with preference given to certified local farms and invasive species providers

Increases the percentage price preference for locally grown food purchases by State schools and facilities from 5% to 10%, and authorizes procurements limited exclusively to certified local farms

Requires annual reporting to the General Assembly by December 1 on the total number and dollar value of local food procurement contracts, including contracts with certified local farms and Chesapeake invasive species providers

Takes effect July 1, 2025