Counties across Maryland have joined in to declare the last week in July the annual The Buy Local Challenge Week. Taking the challenge is simple, “I pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week.” Conceived by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMDAC), this initiative is one of many programs created by the Commission to boost the local farm economy and to highlight the flavor, nutrition and health benefits local products can provide.
“We encourage people to buy directly from farms, or to frequent stores and restaurants that feature truly locally-grown or harvested foods. This year, among other things, we are encouraging farmers’ markets to host special events during the week, and encouraging restaurants to develop a “Buy Local” menu for the week”, said Christine Bergmark, director of SMADC. “Buying food locally is good for the local economy, good for family farmers, good for our health, and good for the environment. Not to mention how good fresh, local food tastes!”
The challenge is also intended to highlight the economic benefit to the region when supporting the local agricultural community. When you buy local food, you vote with your food dollar. This ensures that family farms in your community will continue to thrive and that healthy, flavorful, plentiful food will be available for future generations. If every household in Southern Maryland spent $12.00 per week on local produce for a period of 8 weeks, this would result in over $54 million dollars going directly back to our farmers.
There are several ways to become involved in the “Buy Local Challenge” :
Maryland residents looking for local farms, farmers markets, menu ideas or shopping tips, etc can go to www.buy-local-challenge.com.
Or, if you are a regional farm, restaurant or retail store interested in participating, you can go to the www.buy-local-challenge.com and click on regional resources or contact the Agricultural Commission at www.somarylandsogood.com or by calling 301.274.1922. Participants receive supporting promotional materials, signs and decals for their patrons.
Why Buy Local?
Exceptional Taste and Freshness
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.
Strengthen the Local Economy
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities.
Support Independent/Family Farms
There’s never been a more critical time to support your farming neighbors. With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer.
Enhance your Family’s Health
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations. Buy food from local farmers you trust.
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