Tuesday, July 22, 2014

2014 Maryland Buy Local Challenge


Have you taken the pledge to buy local? This week, July 19-27, 2014, is Maryland’s Buy Local Challenge Week!

 The goal of the Buy Local Challenge is to raise awareness about the benefits of local farms and food. This helps Marylanders become more familiar and more frequent consumers of fresh, local products.

The challenge began in 2007 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission to support local farms and to encourage Marylanders to eat more nutritious foods.

Governor O’Malley will celebrate the challenge by hosting the seventh annual Buy Local Cookout at the Government House on July 25. Creameries on Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail, including South Mountain Creamery, will be there with black raspberry and lemon meringue ice cream!

“’Buy Local Challenge Week’ is a great opportunity to remind Marylanders of all the healthy, delicious foods we have right here in Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Katie and I challenge our neighbors show their support for Maryland’s family farms – we’re encouraging Marylanders to purchase at least one locally-grown product for their favorite dishes during Buy Local Challenge Week and to continue that practice every day of the year.”

Benefits of Buying Local:
  • Local Food is better for the environment
  • Locally grown food tastes better
  • Local produce is better for you
  • Local food supports local economies
  • Local food strengthens local farm families
  • Local food is safer
  • Local food builds community
  • Local food preserves the open character and rural space


Learn more about the Buy Local Challenge here:

http://mda.maryland.gov/Documents/buylocalbenefits.pdf

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