BJ's Wholesale Club Delivers Farm Fresh Produce, with a Nod to "Locavore" Trend

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BJ's Wholesale Club today 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 this spring and summer.  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 special "Farm to Club, Locally Grown" seal.

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While there is no official standard to define "local," BJ's defines "local" 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 by 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 BJ's Wholesale Club.  "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."

The Farm to Club program is rolling out now through summer 2012, and 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 your state, or for more information on available Farm to Club vegetables and fruit, visit BJ's Wholesale Club's Facebook page at: facebook.com/bjswholesaleclub

About BJ's Wholesale Club

BJ's is dedicated to providing members with high-quality, brand-name food and merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than supermarkets, supercenters, department stores, drug stores and specialty retail stores.  BJ's carries the most product variety of any wholesale club with more than 7,000 items, including supermarket-sized staples, USDA "Choice" meats, all-natural and certified organic products and stock-up items.  BJ's is the only wholesale club to accept all manufacturers' coupons and for greater convenience, offers the most payment options including EBT.  Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is a leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States.  The Company operates 195 clubs and 107 gas stations in 15 eastern states.  Learn more and shop online at BJs.com or for exclusive content visit Facebook.com/bjswholesaleclub and Twitter.com/bjswholesale.

SOURCE BJ's Wholesale Club