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Not all sections of thegrocery storeare created equal.
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The meat counter comes on a bit strong.
The freezer aisle is stark and cold.
And the shelf-stable aisles?
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That’s a tranquil Eden of lushness and bliss.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Some grocery stores treat produce as an afterthought, offering a lackluster selection that leaves much to be desired.
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Others turn this section into a destination where quality is king.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods has come a long way since its Amazon acquisition in 2017.
The market has worked to erase its “Whole Paycheck” image by lowering costs and offering more sales.
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Fruits include apples, bananas, dragonfruit, persimmons, Buddha’s hands, and everything in between.
Plus, items with the “Sourced for Good” label hide among the troves.
These products help to support the workers, communities, and environmental stewardship where they are sourced.
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The grocer is known for its endless produce selection but also its product freshness.
Wegmans turns over its produce about100 times a yearcompared to 18-20 times per year at your average supermarket.
Since the store controls its own distribution process it’s also able to keep prices low across the board.
Central Market
The market partners with nearby farmers who embrace natural, organic, and clean farming.
A few examples are Michigan’s Todd Greiner Farms and the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative.
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee’s fresh produce promise dates back to itsinception in the 1930s.
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But, even now, many distributors remain within 200 miles of Hy-Vee’s storefronts.
Products from these growers can always be identified by their “Homegrown” label.
Like Wegmans, the Texas chain is often recognized for its extensive and diversified produce selection.
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Gelson’s
In the flooded grocery market of SoCal, it can be difficult to stand out.
But, Gelson’s has managed to make a name for itself in many areas including its produce department.
You may pay a bit more for your haul, but the juice is always worth the squeeze.
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It actually went organic before it was cool and before there was even an official “organic” designation.
Synthetic pesticides and herbicides are also stripped from the equation, leaving just naturally-grown produce ripe for the picking.
The chain’s sustainability efforts don’t stop at the food either.
Instead, compostable BioBags or recyclable and compostable paper bags made from 100% recycled paper take their place.
These kinds of sustainable swaps can be seen all throughout the store.
Sprouts Farmers Market
“Where goodness grows.”
The chain brings your typical farmer’s market indoors, making it more accessible and more affordable.
