Maryland’s Best, the state’s agriculture and seafood marketing program under the Maryland Department of Agriculture, has unveiled its latest initiative for the holiday season: the ‘Eat Like a Marylander’ Thanksgiving campaign. This year, the campaign encourages Marylanders to support local agriculture by purchasing meal boxes filled with ingredients sourced from Maryland’s own farms and harvesters. The initiative provides consumers with all the essentials for a traditional Thanksgiving meal while promoting locally grown and harvested produce, seafood, and other goods.
The participating farms, which include Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Jones Family Farm in Edgewood, and Emily’s Produce in Cambridge, are offering pre-ordered Thanksgiving boxes packed with fresh ingredients from nearby farms and harvesters. The initiative aims to offer Maryland families a convenient way to celebrate Thanksgiving while supporting local agriculture, according to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks.
“We see an increased demand for local foods, but people don’t always know where to find it,” Atticks stated. “We know that families don’t want to go to multiple stops to pick up their grocery items, so this box allows a one-stop visit for all their Thanksgiving needs.”
Moon Valley Farm’s Unique Offerings
Moon Valley Farm, one of the participating producers, will include a mix of produce from its own farm alongside items from other Maryland growers and suppliers, such as 78 Acres, Sassafras Creek Farm, Springfield Farm, Twin Bears Bakery, and Nick’s Organic Farm. Additionally, for seafood lovers, Moon Valley’s box offers an option to add oysters sourced from True Chesapeake Oysters. With an extra community-focused initiative, Moon Valley Farm is donating $15 from every box sold to provide similar Thanksgiving meal boxes to families in need. For added convenience, Moon Valley Farm will also offer multiple pick-up locations across the state, covering areas including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and the greater Washington, DC area.
Jones Family Farm Brings Fresh Turkeys and Local Seafood
In Edgewood, Jones Family Farm is also participating in the campaign, offering their farm’s produce and fresh turkeys from Albright Farms as part of the Thanksgiving box. Customers can choose from various turkey sizes, ensuring flexibility for different family gatherings. Additionally, for those who want to add a local twist to their Thanksgiving meal, Jones Family Farm provides an option to purchase Maryland crab meat from Chesapeake Brand Seafood in Easton for an additional cost. Jones Family Farm’s offering promises fresh, locally sourced Thanksgiving essentials that support Maryland’s agricultural community.
Emily’s Produce Adds Extra Holiday Options and Charitable Component
Emily’s Produce in Cambridge offers a comprehensive selection of Thanksgiving staples, including turkeys in multiple sizes, fresh produce for side dishes, and a variety of optional add-ons. Customers can enhance their Thanksgiving boxes with Maryland oysters, homemade pies, and charcuterie boards for a full Maryland-inspired feast. Emily’s Produce has also committed to donating one pound of fresh food to local non-profit partners for each Thanksgiving box purchased, providing families in need with fresh, locally sourced food during the holiday season.
Ordering and Contact Information
Maryland residents interested in purchasing a Thanksgiving box can find more information, including how to order, on Maryland’s Best’s website at www.marylandsbest.net. Additionally, any producers who wish to participate in the campaign and offer their own Thanksgiving boxes can sign up on the website by filling out a form before the November 11, 2024, deadline. For further questions about the program, producers can contact Kristin Hanna, Maryland’s Best Director of Special Projects, via email at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov.
