ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 14, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the relocation of the Maryland Market Money (MMM) program from the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) to the department. This move, effective July 1, comes after the passage of legislation during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session authorizing the transition.

The MMM program, which operates under the Maryland Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), will now be housed within the department's agriculture and seafood marketing program. This alignment is expected to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and enhance food access for Maryland residents. Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks expressed excitement about this transition, stating that it reflects their continued investment in growing Maryland's agricultural economy and expanding access to locally-grown food.

Maryland Market Money is a statewide food access initiative that aims to remove economic barriers for individuals experiencing food insecurity. It provides a dollar-for-dollar match towards purchases made using federal nutrition benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and FMNP at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and CSA locations across the state. This not only supports local farmers and food producers but also delivers essential technical assistance, training, marketing support, and promotional services to its stakeholders.

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The program was previously hosted by SMADC and Tri County Council for Southern Maryland before being transferred to the department. SMADC Director Shelby Watson-Hampton expressed pride in the growth and success of MMM under their management but believes that MDA is better equipped to carry this work forward. She thanked Secretary Atticks and his team for making this transition a success for all involved.

This move builds on a legacy of collaboration as MMM was launched by the Maryland Farmers Market Association in 2013 before being run by SMADC and Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) for the past five years. Last year alone, the program served 10,934 Maryland households experiencing food insecurity and distributed $676,428 in matching dollars. It also supported over 60 access points across the state and benefited more than 700 farmers and food producers.

Residents can visit the Maryland Market Money website for more information about participating locations and eligible benefits. With this transition, program benefits will remain intact, and consumers can expect no interruptions to service. The department is committed to continuing the success of MMM and expanding its reach to serve more communities and farms across the state.

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