We represent and support all stakeholders including:
The Montgomery County Food and Beverage GuideWe create an annual, comprehensive guide for all Montgomery County food and beverage products that highlights the diverse array of food and beverages produced by farms and kitchens located in our County or made by businesses headquartered here. Our goal is for this Montgomery County publication to generate interest and promote businesses among consumers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs in the area. The 2019-2020 Guide may be downloaded here: Montgomery County Food and Beverage Guide.
The 2017-18 Food and Beverage Guide formally launched the new MoCo Made brand, created in partnership with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to celebrate and increase the visibility of our county’s vibrant local food and beverage community. The MoCo Made brand is currently being rolled out to farmers’ markets, farms, supermarkets and other retail locations around the County, so look for the MoCo Made logo and MoCo Made events to support our local businesses and residents!
We are working with the Office of Agriculture and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to examine ways that the Working Group can support the farming community and increase local procurement through advocacy and partnerships.
To learn more about becoming a MoCo Made retailer, please email info@mocofoodcouncil.org.
MoCo Made Happy Hour Series
We introduced the MoCo Made Happy Hour Series in 2019 to bring together community partners, MoCo residents, and state and local leaders in support of the local food and beverage sector. Each Happy Hour event is hosted at a MoCo Made brewery, winery, or distillery, and features food sampling and sales from 3-5 MoCo Made food vendors and/or farmers. Check out our events page to see when the next Happy Hour will be!
Food is Opportunity Day
We co-hosted Food is Opportunity Day in partnership with the Universities at Shady Grove in February 2019, which featured Montgomery County producers of packaged goods, beverages, desserts and confections. The event also included two educational panels for students and businesses to learn more about taking advantage of opportunities within our local food system.
Judy Stephenson is a resource for individuals starting new food and beverage businesses in Montgomery County. As the Montgomery County Small Business Navigator, Judy helps small businesses in their interactions with County Government. Businesses contact Judy with questions about County licenses, permits, regulations and contracting opportunities.
Phone: 240-777-2012
Email: judy.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov
May 17
Every other Monday, 1:00 to 2:00pm. Please register in advance.
May 18, 25, June 1
The Montgomery County Planning Department would like to extend a special invitation to you, your organization, clients, and/or stakeholders to attend the 2021 Spring Speakers Series starting Tuesday, May 18th from 6-8PM.
May 19
Third Wednesday of each month, 9-10:30am via Zoom.
May 19
11AM-12:15PM - Tune in to learn more about food insecurity in the County and the County’s COVID-19 food assistance response.
May 23
Come out to One Acre Farm to meet Farmer Mike, the team, and learn about how One Acre Farm grows veggies and maintains (and improves) the health and resilience of the farm's soil!
May 25
4th Tuesday of each month, 9:30-11am via Zoom.
May 25
11AM-12PM - Join us for a virtual training to learn best practices for recruiting and managing volunteers in your food assistance organization.
Jun 1
The first Tuesday of the month from 9:30AM-11AM via Zoom.
July 27th, Oct 26th
The Food Education Working Group (FEdWG) would like to cordially invite you to our Gardening Grant showcase that we will be taking place over the course of four (4) FEdWG meetings in 2021.
