Bill updates Food System Resiliency Council language to federal definitions and expands policy role

Rose Stutz, chief of staff to Delegate Trecutian, presented House Bill 9, which would update statutory language governing Maryland’s Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) to align with federal and partner terminology and to clarify the council’s advisory role.

The bill replaces the terms “food waste” with the EPA‑aligned phrase “wasted food” and “food deserts” with “healthy food priority areas,” and clarifies that FSRC will engage in ongoing policy recommendations to improve equity and sustainability across the food system rather than producing a strategic plan (an amendment accepted in the House). Stutz said the council already includes more than 30 appointed stakeholders from agencies, nonprofits and grassroots organizations and that subcommittees invite broader participation.

Anna Sierra, Department of Emergency Management legislative liaison, said the department — which hosts the council — supports the bill and noted the House amendment removing a strategic‑plan directive because FSRC is an advisory body that does not oversee programs.

Committee members asked whether nonprofit organizations are represented; witnesses said nonprofits participate as appointed members and through subcommittees and that procurement language in the bill about institutional purchasing is relocated from existing statute. The hearing concluded with broad support and no immediate committee vote.