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Local Food that's Fresher and Faster

By: Dana Chicklas

Updated: February 5, 2013

BOONSBORO, MD - Maryland farmers say the people have spoken, and they want local food.

"This is one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the world," says Nancy Veldran, Chef with Caprikorn Farms, LLC.

Washington County hosted the first regional buyer and grower expo. It's geared towards connecting Western Maryland growers with buyers like restaurants, schools and different vendors.

"People supporting local growers and local communities is a great thing, and I hope it continues. What I see here today is working down here too," says Charles DeBerry, with Garrett Growers Co-Op.

Farmers say they're focused on making healthier foods accessible.

"The good thing is, it's picked that morning and delivered that afternoon," says DeBerry.

The Garrett Growers Co-Op provides local produce cheaper for restaurants in their area; they say an Arby's in Oakland is even involved.

"Better quality, local, it's what people are interested in buying, and fresher. From our standpoint, it allows us to market more than we can market just through the farmers markets," adds DeBerry.

But then one bakery saw a problem with local foods.

"There's not much out there that's Gluten-free, and what is out there is very expensive," says Linda Martin, baker with Aunt Linda's Gluten-free Bakery.

So they made a niche of their own, saying tasty and affordable Gluten-free foods helps all kinds of people.

"We've had testimonies of people who've gone on a Gluten-free diet, and who used the more natural sugars, and they told a big difference on their diabetic problems," says Martin.

From artisan cheeses to spicy meats and honey, this expo seemed to be an event to really sink your teeth into.

Farmers and producers from Washington, Allegany, Garrett and Frederick Counties attended this expo, sharing their products.