Meijer exec and growers talk local commitment

In the midst of its strongest growth in years, Meijer and its produce partners are touting the company’s $100 million locally grown commitment.

“Meijer has a longstanding commitment to buying locally-grown produce when available as long as the quality meets our high standards,” said Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh merchandising for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. “Not only is buying local produce the right thing to do, it’s what our customers want and deserve. We are currently one of the largest purchasers of local produce in the markets we serve.”

Meijer has purchased from local growers big and small since the company’s inception, but its effort to buy local has expanded significantly over the past decade as the retailer has grown into new markets and the focus on local became more important to customers.

"Buying local makes sense,” said Loren Buurma, who operates Buurma Farms in Willard, Ohio that sells green onions, radishes and greens to Meijer. “It supports the local economy through jobs and capital expenditures … and it diminishes the carbon footprint because of its proximity to market so highway miles and fuel consumption are kept to a minimum. I am very happy with the support that Meijer gives to the local farmers.”

Meijer began purchasing potatoes from Alsum Farms & Produce in Wisconsin before the retailer even opened stores in that state.

“With today’s shoppers seeking more information about how their food is grown and produced, Meijer is vital in bringing consumers and farmers together to share knowledge and build trust and confidence in our food supply while putting a face to the farmer,” President and CEO Larry Alsum said. “As shoppers look to provide healthy choices for their families, locally grown and produced products provide that value.”

The retailer’s relationship with E. Miedema & Sons, Inc., a fourth generation family farm in Byron Center, Mich., began nearly 80 years ago when Ralph Miedema delivered cabbage and squash to Hendrik Meijer at the Greenville store.

“Buying local is important to us because many of our friends and neighbors see our produce in our fields and wish to purchase it. They like to support us,” said Ralph’s grandson, Dave Miedema, who now operates the 1,500-acre farm with several family members. “Meijer is a great partner.”

To watch how Meijer commits to "locally grown," click here.