Schnucks, BrightFarms Partner on Local Greenhouse

ST. LOUIS — Schnuck Markets here and BrightFarms, New York, announced a partnership to build a hydroponic greenhouse for the 99-store chain that will supply at least 10 stores with fresh, local produce year-round.

BrightFarms will finance and build the one-acre greenhouse, which will provide Schnucks customers with lettuces and baby greens, tomatoes (beefsteak, cherry, grape and tomatoes-on-the-vine) and herbs, said BrightFarms spokeswoman Kate Siskel. A local farmer, in partnership with BrightFarms, will operate the greenhouse and deliver the produce to Schnucks stores within hours of harvest.  

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“We are committed to procuring produce from local growers and this will increase significantly once we bring BrightFarms on board, said Mike O’Brien, Schnucks’ vice president of produce, in a statement. “This partnership is in line with our mission to cut the travel time for produce in order to deliver the freshest foods possible to our customers.”

“Schnucks customers will have the opportunity to truly know their farmer,” added Paul Lightfoot, BrightFarms’ CEO. “We’re excited to partner with Schnucks, which shares our deep commitment to fresh, quality products and to its customers.”