It’s July and Farmers markets around the state are brimming with the bounty of Maryland’s farms. What better time to make a commitment that can make a healthy impact on your diet, lifestyle, and the environment and at the same time give back to your local community. Maryland’s Buy local Week can do just that!
This year’s buy local week will take place July 18 – July 26, 2015.
Each year, Marylanders are encouraged to pledge to eat (and drink) at least one product from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, always the last full week of July, when Maryland’s farms are at their peak offering a wide variety of produce, meats, dairy products and even wine.
Created by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and co-promoted with Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Buy Local Week highlights the health and economic benefits farms provide. “In addition to providing food that’s fresh and delicious, buying from local farms is good for the planet and good for our communities”, said Christine Bergmark, Executive Director, SMADC. “Anyone, individuals and families and even businesses and organizations that serve food (such as hospitals) can take the pledge during Buy Local Week. Simply shop at local farms, farmers’ markets, grocery stores and wineries that offer genuine Maryland-grown farm products.”
Too busy to cook? Consider dining at a restaurant that serves local farm foods. In honor of Buy Local Week SMADC will be launching a new feature on its “So. Maryland, So Good” website, a ‘farm to table’ listing of regional restaurants, stores and other businesses committed to buying and promoting locally produced farm foods. To find out more, visit the ‘news and announcements’ page at SMADC.com.
For extensive statewide Buy Local Week resources including farm directories, downloadable logos and pledge certificates visit the Buy Local Challenge website at www.buylocalchallenge.com. Eat and ‘Tweet’ local using the Buy Local Challenge Twitter hashtag: #buylocalchallenge. And see the Maryland Buy Local Challenge Facebook page for the latest Buy Local Week happenings around the state.