Raley’s Farm-to-Fork Movement

With the goal of fostering a more sustainable food supply, West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley’s is partnering with The Food Front, an umbrella organization run by the city of Woodland, Calif., dedicated to uniting the community and local companies in responsible food and agriculture.

Raley’s began the partnership with an in-store event at its Woodland location at 367 W. Main St., where Raley's owner Michael Teel shared the grocer’s mission to support sustainably produced products.

“With a shared passion for responsible agriculture and food production, we want to promote and share food products grown and made in Woodland," Chelsea Minor, Raley’s corporate director of consumer and public affairs, told WGB.

“Each month, Raley’s and Bel Air in Woodland will promote Food Front partners with special end caps, signage and social media promotion. We hope this will create interest for customers to purchase and enjoy locally crafted products," Minor said. 

Raley’s plans to rotate the three to five products featured in the special showcase each month.

Located about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento, Woodland’s climate, rich soil and reliable water supply support more than 300 varieties of crops and more than 170 companies in the food industry, according to The Food Front.

“The Food Front is home to all facets of the food system, from local farms and food processors to seed research and ag technology companies,” according to the organization’s website. “As this diverse and collaborative community grows, our food and agriculture industry thrives.”

Raley’s is focusing its Food Front pilot project in its Raley’s and Bel Air stores in Woodland, but officials say the grocer is considering implementing the program at other area locations.

“Given that the Sacramento region is America’s farm-to-fork capital, this is just one way we can support the customer’s desire to live farm-to-fork [and] buy local,” Minor said.