Welcome to the Buy Local Challenge

When you buy local, you help strengthen the economy.

You get fresher and healthier food...

and you help create a greener planet.

Together, we can make a difference.

Take the Buy Local Challenge the last week in July.

Supporting farms promotes fresher air, cleaner water, healthier families, stronger economies, safer food and a greener planet... Take the challenge now! Buy Local Week is July 17-25, 2010.

WHY? Healthy plate, healthy planet! Adding locally grown farm products into your meals is good for you, your family and the planet. MORE

"I pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week." (Last full week in July every year.)

In 2009, 1528 people took the challenge

Let's make 2010 even better! So far, 0889 people have taken the challenge in 2010.

Click here to be counted!

WHERE? Stock up at local farms, farm stands and markets that offer genuine local products, and dine at restaurants featuring local food and wine. MORE

HOW? Once you have taken the pledge, find out how your business or organization can promote or participate in the Buy Local Challenge. MORE

Tips and Recipes. Taking the challenge is fun! We've got some creative tips, recipes and sample menus to get you started.

Bring the BLC to Your Region. Join the Online Community, a dynamic, user-driven forum where you can create groups and post/view information specific to your area.

Download BLC logos and customizable promotional materials.

What's Going On

Savor St. Mary's Restaurant Week
St. Mary's county restaurants take on the challenge featuring special dishes made with fresh ingredients from…

Governor Announces Recipe Selections for Buy Local Cook Out
Governor Martin O’Malley has announced the dishes that will be featured as part of the cook out he is hosting…

Maryland Hospital Employees...Click to WIN!
Find out how to support your hospital in the Maryland Buy Local Challenge. 1. Food Service can sign up to…

Maryland FarmLINK Site Launches!
Maryland FarmLINK, www.marylandfarmlink.com, is a new Web site designed to help keep farming vibrant in…