Guide to Sustainable Food Shopping in Montgomery County

Purchasing gently used items (learn more here) is the best way to support the environment and your budget.

When food shopping, however, there are different ways to shop more sustainably. Try to buy local whenever possible. Local food is fresher and travels a shorter distance than other items, reducing emissions from transportation. Because it is picked recently, it also retains more nutrients. Some local produce is even fully organic!

Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag with you when you shop! 

Here are some more tips for buying food that is more sustainable:

Shop Fresh Produce by the Season 

• Fresh fruit and vegetables in season this May include strawberries, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, cauliflower, herbs, peas, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, turnips, radishes, and more. 

• Check out which produce is in season with this interactive guide here! 

Visit Farmer’s Markets to Directly Support Farmers 

• • Montgomery County is home to many farmer’s markets every day of the week! Check out this guide to 2022 farmer’s markets in the County.  
  • Read more about farmer’s markets on the Office of Agriculture’s webpage. 

Buy a Local CSA Box 

• • • CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. For a certain weekly, monthly, or seasonal fee, you get a share of the harvest. At a predetermined date and time, you can pick up or have your produce delivered! 
    • Find a County CSA box to purchase here! 

Montgomery County Green Businesses 

Get your food from one of the County’s certified green businesses. Many businesses in the directory have more than one of these certifications. 

Green businesses in the County have been certified through at least one of the following certification standards:

1. Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
2. B Lab
3. Green America (Gold)
4. Green Restaurant Association
5. Green Seal
6. ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
7. Veriflora® Sustainably Grown
8. USDA Organic Program
9. Certified Naturally Grown and
10. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Find green farms and nurseries here. 

Find green food and beverage providers and grocery stores here. 

If you’re in the mood for eating out, check out these green restaurants and catering services!  

Written by Spring 2022 Climate Fellow, Alyssa Bialek