Maryland ag officials are promoting local apples in September. The state has a number of orchards where you can pick your own. And farmers' markets and grocery stores also offer the locally grown fruit. You can find a place nearby on the Maryland's Best site.

Last year, local growers produced 33 million pounds of apples with a value of $8 million, according to the Maryland Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Almost every county has at least one active commerical orchard.

On the buy local theme, all Maryland school systems are also offering locally-grown products in school lunches from Sept. 14-18, during Homegrown School Lunch Week.  Some schools -- such as those in Baltimore City -- will offer local foods all years. Some of the foods include fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and meats.

State Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance said the school lunch program, in its second year, will help educate students about where their food comes from, how it's produced and the benefits of a healthy diet. It also is supporting local farmers, preserving open space and reducing emissions from transporting food from far away.

This site offers tips on packing a zero waste lunch year-round.

Baltimore Sun file photo from an orchard in Darlington/Colby Ware