Meijer Goes Local For Produce
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009Meijer announced that it will source more local produce as part of its “Home Grown” initiative to help boost local economies.
According to Meijer, its Home Grown program pumps more than $50 million into local economies. The company added that it is one of the largest buyers of locally-grown produce in Michigan, and one of the region’s biggest, with local produce accounting for nearly 30% of all the fruits and vegetables sold by the 189-store supercenter chain during the peak growing season.
“Meijer has always been one of the largest purchasers of locally grown fruits and vegetables during the peak growing seasons,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the company. “This year we plan to expand our Home Grown initiative by working with more than 65 local growers throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.”
Sourcing locally, according to Meijer, has helped reduce shipping costs, fuel consumption and deliver a fresher product at a lower price to customers.
