For Shannon Moore, nothing can match the flavor and freshness of local foods when it comes to fixing a meal.

But the importance of buying local food for the Frederick resident goes beyond simply the taste and quality of it. Moore says that buying local is important for preserving the agricultural production of Frederick County.

"My family has been in the area for generations. My family was once farmers and some family still are farmers," Moore said.

That's why Moore was eager to become involved when her friend Yeon Kim approached her last year about starting a blog about local food in Frederick County.

Since then, the two have been operating the blog "Grown in Frederick." Along with other contributors, the team posts content ranging from home gardening tips to information on local farmers markets to recipes involving in-season foods.

"We try to get the word out about local foods and connect the producers with the consumers," Moore said.

The 2009 Farm Guide, put out by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, is one of the primary sources of information about local farming. Available at tourism centers and online at www.discoverfrederickmd.com, the guide contains a wealth of information about local farms, what they produce, what activities and events they offer and where to find or contact them. The guide also contains information on local farmers' markets as well.

"In one form or fashion, we are all looking for healthier food, food security or we're looking to help the economy," said Colby Ferguson, a business development specialist for agriculture with the office.

The county has 11 farmers' markets. Markets in Urbana and in Braddock Heights opened up this year. "Every day but Monday we have a market in the county, with multiple markets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays," Ferguson said.

Rick Hood sells produce from his farm, Summer Creek Farm near Thurmont, including potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, squash and beans. In addition to selling food at farmers' markets, Hood also operates a community supported agriculture program, or CSA, which acts much like a subscription to a specific farm.

In CSAs, customers pay farmers a flat rate. In return, each week, customers receive a bag or box of fresh produce picked and harvested from the farm throughout the season. Hood says that customers receive about five items each week, anywhere from $15 to $30 worth of food.

Seasons typically run over 18 weeks from mid-May through September, however fall extensions are possible if weather permits.

Kim and Moore now volunteer for local farmers markets in addition to running their blog. Moore hopes that more residents will buy locally and support the local economy.

Ferguson stresses the monumental impact that buying local can have.

"If every family in Maryland spent just $12 per week over 8 weeks, it would generate $200 million [for] Maryland farms," he said.

E-mail David Koontz at dkoontz@gazette.net.