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Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer is expanding its commitment to source locally grown fruits and vegetables by 20 percent, or $10 million, this year.

Mark Stevenson, produce director for the supercenter operator announced the expansion of Meijer’s “Home Grown” initiative yesterday. The five-year-old program , which sources fruits and vegetables from local producers, has expanded to include more than 75 Midwest farms and farmers. In total, Meijer expects to pump more than $60 million into local economies through its program of partnering with farms throughout Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, up from $50 million last year.

"Our roots go back 76 years to when we would sell the freshest foods from local farmers," said Stevenson. "Today, we continue that commitment to working hand-in-hand with local farmers to offer the freshest and most delicious produce from neighboring farms. We'll be sourcing considerably more locally grown items from neighboring farms this year. It's good business for them, and is a tremendous benefit to local economies, the environment and our shoppers."

Currently, Meijer is one of the largest buyers of locally grown produce in its five-state region. The company states that local produce accounts for nearly 27 percent of all the fruits and vegetables sold throughout the 195-store supercenter chain during the peak growing season.

Nearly half of the growers Meijer supports through its "Home Grown" program deliver their fresh fruit and vegetables directly to individual stores.

SOURCE Meijer