Baltimore County Food Desert Study

SB 127 requires Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development to study food deserts (areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food) in Baltimore County and develop recommendations to reduce them. The study will review existing food desert projects, analyze their locations, assess their impact on residents and the local economy, and identify strategies to attract grocery stores, including cost analysis and available funding programs. The department must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to specific legislative committees by November 30, 2026. This bill directly affects Baltimore County residents in food desert areas and the state agency responsible for housing and community development. It is a study-focused bill with no immediate policy changes, solely aiming to inform future actions.