Local produce will be in the spotlight this month through the statewide Buy Local Challenge.

Beginning July 16, the Howard County Economic Development Authority is encouraging county residents to eat locally grown food in an effort to promote healthy eating and boost local merchants.

The goal of the nine-day program is for participants to eat one locally grown product each day.

In their third year participating in the challenge, county officials say they hope to promote local farms, farm stands, farmers' markets and wineries, as well as restaurants that serve local food and wine.

"It's important to let people know why local food is better for them, why it's more nutritious," said Kathy Zimmerman, an agricultural marketing specialist for the Economic Development Authority.

According to Zimmerman, locally grown food often tastes fresher and retains more nutrients because it is eaten soon after harvest. The Buy Local challenge also supports local farm families and strengthens the agricultural economy, she said.

Zimmerman added that eating locally grown food protects the environment by reducing carbon emissions caused by transporting food from other places.

To promote this year's challenge, Howard County will give reusable bags to the first 100 customers at three area farmers' markets. The East Columbia farmers' market will distribute bags July 23, followed by the Glenwood market July 25 and the Oakland Mills market July 26. (For times and locations of these and other farmers markets, go to www.hceda.org/agriculture).

"People are changing the way they look at food," Zimmerman said. "They're relearning that locally grown food is much better for your health, for environmental health and for the local economy."

The Buy Local Challenge kicks off Howard County Restaurant Weeks which run from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, Aug. 9. The restaurant weeks also will showcase eateries that use products from local farms and businesses.

"We want people to know that local farms are still here in Howard County and that they are producing wonderful food," Zimmerman said.

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