POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

This law sets up a program called "SNAP to Health," to provide technical assistance to a) help farmer's markets acquire technology necessary to accept and process benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and b) train managers at farmer's markets how to manage the reporting requirements and responsibilities associated with managing a system that accepts and processes SNAP benefits. It also establishes that grant funding of up to $5,000 per fiscal year for up to 3 years is available for qualifying farmers' markets under the program, using a graduated scale (up to 100% of costs in the first year, up to 50% of costs in second year, and up to 25% in the third year). The law also sets an initial appropriation of $100,000.00 to fund the program.

Background Information

State Maryland
Jurisdiction Name Prince George's County
Jurisdiction Type County,
Population Size 800,000+
Legal Strategies
  • Creates a fund, enables access to a funding stream
  • Creates an incentive for a change
Reach Limited scope
The law creates a voluntary program.
Food System Category Distribute; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
Yes

Program is designed to support farmers markets in accepting and processing payments from participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

See reference to "health benefits of buying fresh produce." § 12-118(a).

Environmental linkage?
No

Economic linkage?
Yes

Supports utilization and acceptance of supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment at farmers' markets.

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Unclear

Although not titled "intent" or "purpose," section 12-116(a) provides: "The Department shall establish a program entitled "SNAP To Health" to provide technical assistance to a Farmer's Market in acquiring technology necessary to accept and process benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and to train managers at a Farmer's Market how to manage the reporting requirements and responsibilities associated with managing a system that accepts and processes SNAP benefits." § 12-116(a)

Includes definitions?
Yes

§ 12-104.

Addresses implementation?
Yes

The Health Department is directed to establish the grant program, provide grants, perform outreach, and promulgate regulations necessary to implement the program. §§12-116 to -120.

Enforcement provisions?
No

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
Yes

"The administration and implementation of this program shall be funded initially for an amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) as appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget." §12-119 (a).

Code context and ordinance history

Subdivision 4 (SNAP to Health Program) is located in Subtitle 12 (Health), Division 2 (Food Service Facilities). History: CB-37-2014.

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