Local Food Sources Guide Western Maryland Chapter Weston A. Price Foundation

The local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation has compiled the following list of local food producers for the Cumberland, Maryland area and surrounding region. We support these farms and businesses which assist us in acquiring clean, nutritious, and affordable food.

The Weston A Price Foundation is dedicated to education, research and activism directed toward a return to the nutrient dense diet. Our members support several movements that contribute to this goal including accurate nutrition information, organic and biodynamic farming, pasture feeding of livestock, and community supported farms.

We invite readers to visit the link below for extensive information on the principles and practices of a nutrient dense diet as researched by nutrition pioneer Weston A. Price, DDS. WAPF continues to advocate for the nourishing traditions that he discovered. You can contact the local chapter by posting a comment or question below, or via Facebook at Weston A. Price Foundation, Western Maryland Chapter.

The following farms are within one hour driving distance of Cumberland, Maryland.  Some also participate in regional farmer’s markets. You can find more about local farmer's markets at the end of the farm listings.

We have also added a quote about each farm  to give readers an idea of the farm's philosophy and priorities.

Sam White and Amanda Paul
14611 Mile Lane, NW, Mt. Savage, MD 21545

Products: Grass Fed Angus Beef, CSA, Biomass fueled greenhouse with organic seedlings for sale in season

“We have over 50 years experience in raising quality beef. Our USDA inspected Angus Beef is sold throughout the year at the farm. We are a licensed food processor, so we can sell our beef to local restaurants as well. To learn about the superior health benefits of grass fed beef, go to our beef page.”

Steven and Ruth Martin
Levels, West Virginia
Phone: 304.822.3878
Email: churchviewfarm@frontiernet.net

Products: Organic fruit and vegetables, pastured poultry and lamb, eggs, honey

“We follow sustainable agricultural practices which generally means we avoid toxic pesticides and other things which can contaminate the food supply. We believe that local food products are healthier and safer for all of us. All of our animals are pastured on grasses, resulting in better tasting food with higher nutritional value.”

John and Maurine Mazzeo

5 Our Lane Points, West Virginia, 25437

Phone: 304-432-5352

Email: bearorchardfarms@aol.com

Products: Small pork producer raising purebred Berkshire pigs. .Customers can contract for direct purchase and processing. Limited availability of frozen cuts at a retail location, Millers Market in Romney, WV. Associated with a local award winning high school agricultural program.

“We hand raise our pigs and are with them several times a day. They are raised on dirt in large corrals where they have room to run and root and play. Their ventilated shelters have wood floors. They are fed with a 100% natural all grain diet with 12% protein."

Max amd Katherine Dubansky

530 Lynndale Rd.,Oakland, Maryland 21550

Phone: 301.334.5633

Products: Organic produce, CSA, Farm internships, operate a cross country ski center in winter.

“Located at the foot of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley , MD, Backbone Food Farm is a small family farm holding on to the idea that small scale, independent agriculture, stewardship and diversity are not only ideas from the past. Entering our tenth season as organic growers , we market our products through our CSA (in its 7th year), local farmers markets and local restaurants.”

1363 Brenneman Road
Bittinger, MD 21522

Phone: 301.245.4630
FAX: 800.343.1761
Email: info@fireflyfarms.us

Products: Artisan cheeses  Milk is pastuerized due to Maryland law prohibiting raw dairy. Sometimes available at Cumberland retail locations, call for info.

“The cheese of FireFly Farms is produced using agriculturally sustainable, locally-sourced fresh goat’s milk and time-honored, traditional methods of goat cheese making. At FireFly Farms, we believe in the interdependence of people with one another and with our environment, and we are committed to caring for the land and protecting biodiversity for today's communities and future generations. ‘

Chapter members patronize several Amish and Mennonite farms in far western Maryland, nearby Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Cage free eggs, free range and cage free chicken and turkeys, pork, hand raised in minimal confinement, maple syrup, fruit and vegetables in season, and dairy products can be found in our mountainous tri-state region. Most of these sources are small family farms who prefer to find customers by word of mouth.   Contact the chapter leader for more information.

Clover Creek is a bit more than one hour from Cumberland, but was recommended by a member who uses their mail order service. They would be a convenient drive for those in the western region of this chapter area, or for coop trips. (Altoona, PA area)

5161 Clover Creek Road

Williamsburg PA 16693

Phone: 814.832.3755

Email: info@clovercreekcheese.com

Products: Raw milk, Artisan cheeses

“To profitably produce a wholesome product that is healthy for our family, our animals, our community, and our environment.”

Check with the local newspapers, tourism offices, or with the local chapter in early spring for start dates, updated locations, and schedules.

Allegany Mountain Fresh Farmers Market, a regional farmers association sponsors a large outdoor market twice a week in downtown Cumberland, and Frostburg MD, and an inside location at the surburban Country Club Mall, the number of organic producers is small and varies, but the events are accessible and affordable, vendors also accept WIC coupons and senior FMNP checks.

http://www.localharvest.org/allegany-mountain-fresh-farmers-market-downtown-cumberland-maryland-M20949

Romney, WV area farms listed have a Saturday market in season, some organic, there are some pastured meat producers inc. those already listed above: http://www.romneyfarmersmarket.com/farms

Springs Farmers Market, Springs, PA about 45 min. from Cumberland, Md chapter base, this popular market runs from late May to September. Garden produce as well as crafts, and antiques from varied regional vendors, many Amish and Mennonite farms. Since Springs is in Pennsylvania this market can be a source for grass fed dairy. Butter is usually available, and this is a good event to “ask around” for local farms selling raw milk. http://www.vendorsinpa.com/events/somerset-county/springs-pa-farmers-market.htm

Farm Stands are a common summertime site in our region. Some roadside vendors are commercial sellers of trucked in produce from southern growers, seldom organic, and often little different from produce found in the supermarket. Prices may be attractive, however, due to low overhead. Sometimes these stands provide seasonal specialties such as Eastern shore melons of high quality at more reasonable prices than stores. Vendors will probably have little or no information about the growers, but it never hurts to ask. These stands can be convenient alternatives for seasonal produce.

Local farms and even larger scale home gardeners occasionally put out signs, or just set a table at the end of their drives. Most are happy to get acquainted and discuss growing methods. Watch for these whenever you are out driving the country roads! They can be great sources and contacts.