Challenge Accepted! The Buy Local Challenge Begins July 18th to the 26th

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.


7 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 7 easy ways:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Perhaps you might enjoy visiting farmers' markets - there are 13! To view a list, please click here. Can't make it out to a market? The Frederick County Virtual Farmers' Market is open 24/7.
4. 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 are happy to mail you one. 
5. 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 in Frederick, check out page 27.
6. 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 during the week of July 18-26.
7. Frederick's Wine Trail is a beautiful way to experience the scenery and support local growers.

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.