ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore hosted the Buy Local Cookout at the Maryland Department of Agriculture to encourage Marylanders to buy local food during Maryland Buy Local Week (PDF).

The event, which runs from July 19 to July 28, encourages Marylanders to buy at least one locally grown, produced, or harvested product into their meals each day. The Buy Local Challenge, created in 2006 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, aims to strengthen the Maryland agriculture sector.

“When Marylanders buy local, they aren’t just supporting small businesses — they’re also engaging with our shared heritage and keeping our state competitive,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we recognize the important contributions of Maryland agriculture to our economy, our identity, and our future. And together, we will grow this vital sector for years to come.”

The Buy Local Cookout featured sampling dishes prepared by local chefs using local ingredients. The event also included live music and exhibits featuring Maryland Department of Agriculture programs.

For more information on Maryland Buy Local Week and the Buy Local Challenge, visit marylandsbest.net.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office