Md. Challenges Residents To Buy Local Produce, Support State Economy
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- You can eat healthier and create local jobs. State officials issue that challenge to residents this week, and all you have to do is shop.
Adam May has more.
There are more than 100 farmers' markets across Maryland.
"It helps keep the family farms," farmer Scott Smith said.
Scott Smith grows vegetables in Somerset County and sells them in Catonsville.
"It keeps the money here. It doesn't travel cross country to another country. It stays right here, locally," he explained.
This week, state officials urge residents to eat locally-grown produce every day.
"People are really jumping on this trend because people want to be more healthy. This allows them to have delicious food and support local produce farmers," Camila Clark of the Maryland Office of Tourism said.
The head of the Catonsville market calls it a win-win.
"You know where your products are grown, what went into growing them. You get to know the farmers," Danae McDevitt said. "I found that buying local, the products last longer."
And many local farmers say they avoid heavy chemicals and pesticides.
"A lot of the stuff that comes long distance is treated. Most of the stuff at the farmers' market was picked in last two days," Smith said.
So it's fresh, stimulating appetites and the economy.
For a list of farmers' markets near you, click here. Click here for more on the Buy Local Challenge.
