(a) There is a Maryland Farms and Families Fund. (b) The purpose of the Fund is to: (1) Match purchases made with FMNP, SNAP, and WIC benefits at participating farmers markets and farm stands; (2) Support nonprofit farmers markets to implement the Program by providing logistical and marketing support to increase the use of federal nutrition programs at these farmers markets; and (3) Support nonprofit organizations and other responsible persons to implement the Program in partnership with one or more participating local farmers markets. (c) The Secretary shall administer the Fund. (d) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7- 302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (e) The Fund consists of: (1) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and (2) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. (f) (1) In accordance with this subsection, the Department may use the Fund for either one or both of the following purposes: (i) To implement, in whole or in part, the Program within the Department; and (ii) To provide funds to a qualified nonprofit organization or other responsible person to implement, in whole or in part, the Program. (2) A qualified nonprofit organization or other person that receives funds under this section: (i) Shall distribute at least 60% of the money it receives directly to participating farmers markets as funding for local market access coordinators and matching dollars for purchases made with FMNP, SNAP, and WIC benefits; and (ii) May not use more than 40% of the money it receives for Program development, promotion and outreach, farmers market training and capacity building, technical assistance, program data collection, evaluation, administration, and reporting. (g) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund as follows: (i) For fiscal years 2021 through 2023, $100,000; and (ii) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, $300,000. (2) The appropriation required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in addition to, and may not supplant, any funding appropriated to the Agriculture and Seafood Marketing Program in the Department.
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