FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY LAUNCHES CHOPCHOP MARYLAND

Joins Executive Director of “Let’s Move” Campaign Dr. Judith Palfrey and Founder and President of ChopChop Magazine Sally Sampson to kick-off series of healthy and fun recipes for Maryland families

ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley, joined by Executive Director of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign Dr. Judith Palfrey, Founder and President of ChopChop Magazine Sally Sampson, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance, and Maryland children and families, officially launched “ChopChop Maryland,” a new program that will provide a new, healthy, fun, family-friendly recipe each month for a year, using local Maryland ingredients.

“We’re happy to announce ChopChop Maryland,” said First Lady Katie O’Malley. “Starting this month, and every month for the next year, we’ll be sending out delicious, easy-to-make recipes that families can make together, using local Maryland ingredients. I’d like to thank Sally Sampson, Dr. Sharfstein and all of our partners for making this happen. There’s nothing like enjoying the value of the work it takes to make something yourself, and the joy of tasting something delicious that you’ve made together as a family. By including local ingredients in our recipes, it helps us eat healthier, protect our environment, support our farms, and grow our local economies.”

The recipe for October 2011 is “Maryland’s Apple Crisp.” The first in the series of recipes was unveiled during a special event at Government House with a cooking demonstration led by Sally Sampson, and featured apples donated from Catoctin Mountain Orchards in Thurmont, MD.

“ChopChop is so thrilled to be joining forces with First Lady O’Malley and the State of Maryland on this exciting and innovative initiative,” said Sally Sampson, president and founder of ChopChop Magazine. “We are looking forward to partnering with Maryland families to empower, educate and engage them in making cooking cool.”

Every month for the next year, a new healthy and easy recipe will be featured using local Maryland ingredients. The recipes will be featured online, at local non-profits and health organizations around the State.

“Healthy eating is an important part of healthy living,” said Dr. Sharfstein. “ChopChop Maryland is a fun way for families to spend time together and make delicious and healthy recipes.”

Marylanders can also text to receive recipes and other information about the program. Participants can sign up to receive the recipes by text message, and will have a chance to win prizes. To get the recipes and be eligible for prizes, text CHOPMD to 43186. For Spanish, text CHOPES to 43186. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Find local ingredients for your ChopChop recipes and support local farmers by visiting Marylandsbest.net.

The project is in partnership with ChopChop Magazine, published by the Massachusetts-based nonprofit ChopChopKids. Funding for the project was provided by the Horizon Foundation and the Aaron and Lillie Straus Foundation.