GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO HOST “BUY LOCAL” COOKOUT

 Governor to Kick-off “Buy Local Challenge” Week with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; Cookout to Feature Locally Grown Recipes Created by Selected Chefs

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 20, 2011) – TOMORROW, Governor and First Lady O’Malley will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to host the fourth annual “Buy Local” cook out to officially kick-off Maryland’s “Buy Local Challenge” week, which challenges Marylanders to incorporate at least one locally-grown, produced or harvested product into their meals each day.  At the Governor’s cook out, 17 teams of local producers and chefs will prepare creative recipes showcasing the diversity of local products available in Maryland.  Government House chefs will also prepare a few favorites recipes of theirs and the O’Malley family featuring local products. 

“Buy Local Challenge” week is July 23 through the 31.  Buying locally is key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families. It preserves farmland, protects the environment, bolsters local economies, and provides wholesome, nutritious, great-tasting fresh food. 

WHAT:            Governor and First Lady O’Malley to join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to host annual “Buy Local” Cookout and kick-off “Buy Local Challenge” Week

WHEN:            TOMORROW, Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:          Government House, State Circle, Annapolis, MD

NOTE:              Event is by invitation only and RSVP is required by members of the media and all attendees

   to gain access to Government House. 

   RSVP:  Julie Oberg, 410-841-5888 or Vanessa Orlando, 410-841-5889.