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9.28.04

In today’s “big-box” store craze there are still some small, independently run businesses that refuse to give up their life-long mantras of quality goods bought from local producers.
“If I put out peaches or corn, people ask ‘Is this Swann’s?’” said Pete Scanlon, produce manager at the Deale Food Rite, referring to Allen Swann’s farm in Owings, Md., where he purchases a great deal of his fresh produce. “Swann’s is known for the quality of their produce.”
That’s why Dennis Lowman, the store manager, and Scanlon, were quick to jump on board a new program called “So. Maryland, So Good,” which supports and promotes local farmers and producers in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties.
SMSG is a “buy local” campaign launched through the non-profit Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and is designed to encourage local consumers to learn about and purchase local farm products, said Christine Bergmark, director of the Agricultural Development Commission, which is part of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.
Enter the produce isle at the Deale Food Rite and you’ll be face-to-face with whatever locally grown fruits or vegetables are in season. You’ll know it’s local produce because you’ll see the colorful SMSG logo depicting the bounty, beauty and diversity of our farming landscape, including the waterways and barns. SMSG promotional materials given to participating stores, restaurants and farms, include banners, point of purchase cards and labels that guarantee that the products are truly local.
Situated in a country setting close to the water and hemmed in by local farms and a fishery, the Deale Food Rite is a fixture in the community. The grocery is a small but busy store, and its managers are long-time supporters of local product.
“About 25 percent [of our produce] in summer is local produce, and we go through a lot,” said Scanlon. “Customers always start asking for local produce early in the season.”
“Buying local is good for the community, and if you mention local produce, people go nuts,” said Lowman. “We want to see the locals thrive. Farming is a tough job, so if you can help them, you should.”
As in most supermarkets, the produce manager is the key to where products are purchased. At the Deale Food Rite, Scanlon is a 21-year veteran and has a standard list of Southern Maryland growers. Now, as an SMSG participant, Scanlon has investigated the larger list of local farms in the official “SMSG Directory of Producers,” which includes hundreds of Southern Maryland farm contacts for a wide variety of fresh wholesale products. The manual is given to all of the stores and restaurants that participate in the SMSG program.
On a recent morning, customer Jil Howard of Deale, said, “I’m always here buying local produce. Fresh produce is best for everything I cook. My kids love the fresh fruit and I love the produce here.”
Lowman and Scanlon know first-hand that running a successful small business is rough, and that’s especially so in today’s monsoon of mega-stores and national chains. However, they both believe strongly that “people want local and you can’t fool them,” said Lowman.
“A Florida tomato tastes better in Florida than here,” said Scanlon. He explained that the refrigeration required in shipping produce and fruits long distances ruins the taste and color. Scanlon said that a tomato grown locally doesn’t require refrigeration, enhancing the flavor.
Lowman and Scanlon are keeping this locally owned, independent business going strong and they are doing it with a commitment to buying local and supporting other local businesses.
Other area stores that regularly buy local include Nick’s Supermarket of Clinton, Nick’s of Waldorf, Bowen’s Grocery, Buehler’s Grocery, Calvert Country Market, Chaptico Market, Graul’s Market, Kellam Seafood, L.D. Green Grocery, Mattingly’s Finer Foods, McKay’s Food Stores, Raley’s Town & Country, Rowell’s Country Meat Store, L.L.C., Bethesda Food Cooperative and Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op.
Visit www.somarylandsogood.com or call 301-274-1922 for a free farm directory.