Contact:  Alexis Henderson
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
410-222-7410

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 24, 2007) - - - Anne Arundel County citizens are encouraged to buy locally grown products during the Buy Local Challenge, now through the end of July.  The program, conceived by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), is one of many programs created by the Commission to boost the local farm economy and to highlight taste, nutrition and health benefits that local products can provide.

 

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) has provided information on where to buy locally grown products within Anne Arundel County on their website, www.aaedc.org.  You will also find a link to the SMADC Buy Local website, www.buy-local-challenge.com, where you can find recipes, menu ideas, and shopping tips.  AAEDC has coordinated special events for the Buy Local Challenge that showcase locally grown products: 

 

• Thursday, July 26, 2-6pm - The South River Colony Farmers’ Market will have a chef demonstration using local produce prepared by The Fix New York Deli.  Free samples will be available.  Hotdogs and lemon-aide will also be available for sale.  In addition to regular vendors, The Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners have joined the market and will be available to answer gardening questions.

 

• Saturday, July 28th from 8am to Noon - The Severna Park Farmers’ Market will hold their annual Customer Appreciation Day.  AAEDC will give away free “Ag Bags” to the first 100 customers at this event. Jane Ferguson of the New Annapolitans will be there from 8 - 9 am to sign copies of the cookbook "Comings and Goings: Recipes for Annapolis Living.”

 

Six farmers’ markets are now open in Anne Arundel County, providing an opportunity to purchase locally grown products.

 

Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Markets for 2007 are listed below:

Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market
Annapolis: Riva Road & Harry S. Truman Parkway
Saturday: 7 a.m. to Noon Apr 14 – Sep 28
  8 a.m. to Noon Sep 29-Dec 22
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to Noon Jun 12 – Oct 9
Contact: Brenda Conti 410-349-0317
 
Deale Farmers' Market
Cedar Grove United Methodist Church Parking Lot
5965 Deale-Churchton Rd.
Thursday: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jul 5 - Oct 25
Contact: Gail Wilkerson 410-867-4993
 
The Centre at Glen Burnie Farmers' Market
6711Ritchie Highway (in the parking lot in front of Best Buy)
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jul 11 - Sep 26
Thanksgiving Special: Wednesday, Nov 22 10a.m. -1 p.m.
Contact: Lisa Barge 410-222-7410
 
Piney Orchard Farmers' Market
Odenton: Stream Valley Drive off Rt. 170
Piney Orchard Community and Visitors Center Parking Lot
Wednesday: 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jun 13 - Oct 31
(Thanksgiving Special: Wednesday: Nov. 22 Noon - 4 p.m.)
Contact: Bill Morris 410-867-9162
 
Severna Park Farmers' Market
Ritchie Highway (Rt. 2) & Jones Station Road
Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon Apr 28 - Oct 27
Contact: Anita Robertson 410-827-9192
 
South River Colony Farmers' Market
Routes 2 and 214, Main Street in South River Colony
Thursday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 31 – Oct 25
Contact: Brenda Conti 410-349-0317
 
Note:  WIC and Senior FMNP Checks Accepted at all AA County Farmers' Markets

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. These programs are part of our mission to serve business needs and to increase the County’s economic base through job growth and investment. For additional information on agriculture programs or Farmers Markets’ in Anne Arundel County please contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, (410) 222-7410.