Local Produce Ranking
Our goal is to offer the largest, freshest, and cleanest selection of local and organic produce in the Richmond area. Our commitment to local starts with a strict, 100-mile radius from our front door that encompasses small family farms and growers dedicated to sustainable farming and agriculture. Please see our local grower rating scale below. Anything outside of this 100-mile radius but less than 300 miles is labeled as “Regional.”
Our buying team visits these local farms and growers on a regular basis to insure quality, growing methods and to continue strong relationships for years to come. A strong commitment to local agriculture doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time and dedication. We’re proud to work directly with Virginia farmers to ensure that local products and vegetables are available to our customers year round and local farmers continue to grow.
Our Local Produce Signage: In our produce department, you might notice a unique type of “local icon” on most produce signage. Signage indicating local produce tells the name and location of the far, and how many miles it was grown from our front door. We then use a three tier rating system for local produce (Good, Better, Best) to signify how the produce was grown. Here’s what it means…
Local Good: This represents local farms, 100 miles or less from our store that use no or low spray and are family run or family operated.
Local Better: Locally grown, 100 miles or less from our store – farm practices organic and/or sustainable grow- ing, uses natural fertilizers and pest controllers.
Local Best: Locally grown, 100 miles or less from our store – organically grown using USDA standards. Product is USDA Certified Organic or Certified Naturally Grown.