The Buy Local Challenge has become an annual staple in the celebration of Maryland's rich agricultural history. During the last week of July, people across the state of Maryland pledge to purchase at least one locally produced food item each day during Buy Local Week.
In Maryland, if every household purchased just $12 worth of farm products for eight weeks (basically the summer season), over $200 million would be put back into the pockets of our farmers.
10 Ways to Accept the Buy Local Challenge in Frederick County
Frederick County leads the state in number of farms and farmland acres so fortunately, finding fresh food is easily accessible in Frederick County! Here are 10 ways to get started:
- Visit www.homegrownfrederick.com and discover our mobile-friendly “Find Local Products” tool.
- Frederick County is home to two of the state's eight dairy farms on the Maryland Ice Cream Trail that offer delicious on the farm ice cream: Rocky Point Creamery and South Mountain Creamery.
- Perhaps you might enjoy visiting farmers' markets - there are 17! To view a list, please click here.
- To read all about our farms and view a listing, download your copy of Homegrown Frederick or call us at 301-600-1058 and we’ll be happy to mail you one.
- Have you ever thought about joining a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way to get locally grown products all year long! For a list of CSAs, visit our website.
- Many of our local grocers and restaurants buy locally grown products. Ask your favorite retailer and restaurant where they get their food, wine and spirits from and pledge to only buy locally grown selections. Click here to view a list of Buy Local Restaurants.
- Try a farm brewery for a cold beverage made with ingredients grown at the farm. Find the best craft beverages here.
- Indulge at a local winery and sip in the view.
- Visit a local distillery tasting room and try a product that was sourced using local grains.
- Another way to search for local farms that have what you're looking for, the state has created a helpful search tool to link farmers with consumers called Maryland's Best.
A Few Reasons to Buy Local (from www.buylocalchallenge.com)
You’ll Get Exceptional Taste and Freshness
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances. Local farmers can offer varieties bred for flavor rather than for long shelf life.
You’ll Support Independent/Family Farms and a Stronger Local Economy
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. Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your own community.
You’ll Enhance Your Family’s Health and Safety
Locally grown food retains more nutrients and is less likely to cause foodborne illnesses than food that is shipped from far away. Buying local enables you to choose farmers who may avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified seed.
You’ll Help Protect the Environment
Green areas that farms provide help to recharge our aquifers and cleanse the air. Buying from a local farm cuts down on the distance food travels, reducing the consumption of oil and carbon emissions nationwide.
When you buy local, you help to ensure that the benefits of our farms survive for many years to come.