Buy Local Challenge kicks off in August

‘‘The chef usually stocks from produce stands and creates specials for the evening,” said Jenaire Hodge, the restaurant’s general manager. ‘‘It supports locals and [keeps] his menu fresh and not too heavy and weighed down.”

Supporting local farmers is what the Buy Local Challenge, which kicks off Aug. 2, is all about.

During the week, Carroll consumers are encouraged to visit farmer’s markets, stands, local farms and wineries, as well as area restaurants with a Buy Local Challenge sign displayed.

Participants pledge to try and eat at least one item from a local farm each a day.

The program’s goal is to boost the local farm economy and highlight the flavor, nutrition and health benefits the local produce can provide.

‘‘Buying local products provides the benefit of knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised or produced,” said Gabe Zepp, an agricultural development specialist for Carroll County.

‘‘The food doesn’t have to travel as many miles; it’s fresher and reduces the carbon footprint,” said Julie Oberg, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of Agriculture who runs the initiative. ‘‘It doesn’t have to travel 1,500 miles from California to the shelf.”

Chris Carter of CarterQue, a restaurant in Mount Airy, said local meat is a lot fresher. ‘‘I buy probably 50 or 60 percent from the Mount Airy Meat Locker mainly to support local businesses and the local economy,” he said. ‘‘I’ve known them a long time.”

Oberg said the initiative expanded after starting in Southern Maryland last year. ‘‘The governor decided it was growing increasingly important for people to buy local and support farmers,” she said. The statewide challenge was July 19 to 27. Carroll County typically holds its challenge the week after the county 4-H & FFA Fair.

To find local products, visit www.carrollag.org or pick up the ‘‘Carroll County, Maryland Famers’ Markets 2008” brochure at a library or tourism center.

Sykesville Butter Market

West Friendship Road

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the last Sunday of the month, through Oct. 26

Sykesville Farmers Market

3-7 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 30

South Branch Park, West Friendship Road, Sykesville