GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hank Meijer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of the Meijer supercenter chain, yesterday announced plans to expand the company’s sourcing of local produce through its “Home Grown” initiative.
The chain currently handles more than 75 varieties of locally grown fruits and vegetables, which keeps an estimated $50 million within local communities surrounding the chain’s 189 locations, according to company estimates.
“Meijer has always been one of the largest purchasers of locally grown fruits and vegetables during the peak growing seasons,” Meijer said in the announcement.
“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.”
Last year, Meijer sold more than 20 million pounds of Michigan apples, one million pounds of Michigan asparagus, and 10 million ears of corn from their home state. In addition, the chain purchased more than 45 million pounds of locally grown potatoes.
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