Homegrown: Buying Local

by Brittany French, Contributor

‘Think globally, act locally’: it’s a phrase we often hear but may wonder how to follow through. You can join by participating in the 2019 Maryland Buy Local Challenge, happening this week, and get in on all of the summer fun. Buying local can help you make healthier choices and reduce your environmental impact by cutting down on transport of food and packaging. It is also an opportunity to invest in your community by buying from the farm directly from a farmer who puts care and attention into what they grow. An easy way to get started is to shop at your local farmer’s market, a prime spot for local goods, which gives you access to unique vendors who offer fresh flowers, sweet fruits, and handmade crafts. An abundance of seasonal produce means savings, fresh quality, and great taste. Check out this list of Maryland farmer markets for one near you. Even if you can’t make it to the market this week, you can always support restaurants and businesses that source ingredients and materials locally. Or extend this challenge into the rest of summer by joining a CSA, go berry picking (fun for the kids too!) or shopping at a smaller, local grocery store. Shopping for food doesn’t have to be a chore, buying local can make it a fun experience-we hope you are up for the challenge!