Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-Owned MoCo Made Business Guide

During Black History Month, the Food Council is highlighting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)- and minority-owned MoCo Made businesses that are growing and producing amazing food and beverage products, right here in our community, with the release of this “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-Owned MoCo Made Business Guide”. In this guide, you’ll find local farms, sweet treats, and unique pantry staples. Be sure to head to the brand websites to learn more about each business and the owners, and how you can support them by eating, drinking, and buying local!

1. Maspanadas offers a modern take on empanadas and other Hispanic favorites combining convenience and wholesomeness. Veggie mini-empanadas are available online, at Whole Foods Market, MOMs Organic Market, and Dawson’s Market. These plant based, bite size empanadas pair just as well with a glass of wine as with a juice box. Made in Rockville, MD.
2. Dodo Farms is a trusted source of fresh, local and Certified Naturally Grown produce. Dodo Farms produces leafy and root vegetables in Brookeville, MD using no chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides or GMO seeds. Available at the downtown Silver Spring Farmers Market (Saturdays 9-1pm) and Dupont Circle Farmers Market (Sundays 8:30-1:30 p.m.), April to December.
3. Tsiona Foods Injera Crisps are made with Ethiopian flat, spongy sour bread. These crips are a ready-to-eat, crunch snack with a distinctive flavor. Once you start, you can’t stop! Available at specialty stores throughout the DMV area, MOM’s Organic Markets, and soon-to-be available at all Mid-Atlantic Whole Foods stores. Made in Rockville, MD.
4. Sincerely Wilma handcrafts an assortment of the finest gourmet pancake and waffle batters, both traditional and non-traditional. The Original (Buttermilk) Batter can be purchased online. Made in the Takoma Park Silver Spring Community Kitchen.
5. Chicken of the Woods Farm is a family-owned, small organic farm in Darnestown, focusing on regenerative agriculture through vegetable and grain production and pastured chickens. The Hemp Tea Sampler Pack, featured here, includes Serenity, Interlude, and Synergy Chai, and is available online. 
6. Cheryl’s Kitchen makes gourmet nuts and baskets, featuring maple frosted English walnuts, pecans, and cashews, as well as a craisin trail mix, right here in Takoma Park. A full variety of nuts are available at the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op.
7. Neek and Nan’s creates fresh seasonings, sauces and other food products for health-conscious people who love home-cooked meals. Try the Neek and Nan’s Sampler Pack for the opportunity to experience ALL THE DELICIOUSNESS that is Neek and Nan’s! The Sample Pack includes eight 6oz jars: Jamaican Jerk, Curry Paste, Spicy Cilantro, Ginger Garlic, Rosemary, Apple Sauce, Tomato Sauce, and Condensed Milk). Made in Rockville and available online. 
8. At Passion to Seed Gardening, located in the Agricultural Reserve, preserving the original taste of produce grown, and growing it sustainably, is the motivation and goal. Featured here is fresh corn, for steaming or roasting, that can be purchased on-farm throughout the summer and early fall.
9. Cinnamon Tree Organics brings flavor, wellness, and supply chain transparency in the form of freshly-harvested spices directly from small farmers. Cinnamon Tree Organics single-origin spices are available for purchase online, at Dawson’s Market in Rockville, and at the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op. Headquartered in Germantown.

Additional minority and BIPOC-owned businesses, including Twin Valley Distillers, AMAC Foods, Santa Lucia Coffee, American Shochu Company, Shafa Blends, GrainBooster, Gypsy Diva Fresh, Denizens Brewing Co, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, Provisions Cafe, and Mayorga Organics, can be found in our online Food and Beverage Guide.