US: BJ's Wholsale Club goes local
While there is no official standard to define "local," BJ's defines "local" as grown within the state. Buying local produce benefits BJ's members, their communities, and helps to preserve local farms. Locally grown produce is picked at the peak of its flavor, and since the produce doesn't have far to travel, its nutritional value and freshness are preserved. Buying local also helps the area's economy by building up the local agricultural industry and by helping keep money within the community.
"As a buyer at BJ's, I strive to provide the very best produce for members," said Rob Johnson, Produce Buyer for BJ's Wholesale Club. "The Farm to Club program is very good for both the members who buy the local fruits and veggies and the farmers who are growing our food."
The Farm to Club program is rolling out now through summer 2012, and as the weather and growing season for each vegetable and fruit varies from state to state, so do the dates Farm to Club produce becomes available. Currently, Farm to Club produce is available in all Florida Clubs.
Source: www.perishablenews.com
