Wegman's Food Markets have quietly expanded on the privately owned grocery chain's "Locally Grown" program, according to a recent article in Progressive Grocer. The two-decades-old program now comprises a network of over 800 growers.


Better yet, these family farmers are able to bring myriad selections of fresh fruits and vegetables to Wegman's customers, going directly to the stores and bypassing distribution centers and warehouses. That means, consumers can purchase fresh produce within hours of being picked.
Not only that, customers can go to Wegman's web site to learn more. The home page features information on Locally Grown Sustainable Produce that enables Wegman customers to learn more about the actual growers in each region where the retailer has its stores.
In the article, "Wegman's Touts 'Locally Grown' Program," this quote sums up the entire venture very nicely: "According to Wegman's, such an initiative is good for the environment because it reduces fuel costs, which helps the grocer offer competitive prices to shoppers". Sounds like a win for everybody concerned: local growers, retailer and consumers, and wait: the environment.
Of course, on the down side, locally grown produce is not available in the winter, but the retailer's produce coordinators and managers work with local growers during this "down time" to plan on new varieties for the upcoming growing season. This enables them to offer consumers hybrid and heirloom varieties of fruits and veggies with more flavor and nicer color. According to Wegman's: "The growers like trying something new, and we like giving customers more choice".
Wegman's has also worked with its suppliers on environmental and food safety issues. Growers are encouraged to either use recyclable cardboard boxes to deliver their produce, or sturdy, washable and reusable plastic boxes. Growers are also encouraged to deliver to a number of Wegman's stores in one day to save fuel and time.
This year, Wegman's is requesting that its farmer partners seek certification in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which sets standards on the use of water, fertilizers, manure and pesticides.
The Rochester NY based Wegman's chain currently owns and operates 71 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland.
Questions:
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As one of the best food retailers in the country, do you think the Wegman's local farm to fork model should be followed by all grocers across the country as much as possible?
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Are you aware of food retailers that purchase locally grown products where you live?
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Do you think grocery stores have an opportunity to not only educate the public, but to also reinforce public perceptions of quality, source information and accountability, and food safety?
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How much do trust, transparency and traceability matter to you when you purchase food?
I'd love to hear from you.