BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that its locally grown produce program, “Farm to Club,” will be available in each of its 195 clubs in all 15 states where its clubs are located.
The program, which provides BJ’s members with quality, fresh produce from their state’s local farms, is rolling out in spring and summer 2012. Farm to Club produce includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables including zucchini, tomatoes, corn, green peppers, yellow squash, and cucumbers and will be clearly marked with a “Farm to Club, Locally Grown” seal.
While no official standard defines “local,” BJ’s defines it 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 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 the company. “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.”
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. For updates on when local Farm to Club produce is available in a particular state, or for more information on available Farm to Club vegetables and fruit, visit www.facebook.com/bjswholesaleclub.
BJ’s carries more than 7,000 items, including supermarket-size staples, USDA “Choice” meats, all-natural and certified organic products, and stock-up items. Headquartered in Westborough MA, the company operates 195 clubs and 107 gas stations in 15 eastern states. Learn more and shop online at www.BJs.com.
