MD SB353

Establishes a Food Deserts Workgroup to study and recommend solutions for eliminating food deserts in Maryland

Workgroup membership includes 4 legislators, designees from 8 state agencies (Aging, Agriculture, Commerce, Health, Housing and Community Development, Human Services, Planning, and Education), plus representatives from the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council, Maryland Municipal League, and Maryland Association of Counties

Department of Housing and Community Development provides staff support; members serve without compensation but receive travel expense reimbursement

Workgroup must analyze food desert locations, health and economic impacts, and strategies to attract grocery stores including review of existing incentives and financing programs in Maryland and other states

Report with findings and recommendations due to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1, 2025; the Act takes effect July 1, 2025 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2026