5 UT Grocers Welcome Back Local Farmers Markets

Five Utah grocers have brought back Eat Fresh, Eat Local in-store and outdoor farmers' markets, which feature a variety of Utah-grown produce and will run through the first week of September.

Returning at Macey's, Lin's, Dan's, Dick's Market and Fresh Market stores, the markets were born from a partnership with 26 farms and growers statewide, bringing an expanded selection of locally sourced items to produce departments each day, as well as parking-lot tent events on Saturday mornings. Available produce includes tomatoes, peas, cherries, squash, watermelon and zucchini.

“We are proud to partner with our local farmers and growers to bring the freshest produce to our guests. Our partnership allows us to offer a variety of quality Utah-grown items at great prices,” said Danni Barnhart, produce operations manager for Salt Lake City-based Associated Retail Operations. “As locally owned stores, we understand the importance of supporting local businesses, especially our farmers and growers. We’re all in this together, and we know our guests feel the same way.”

The Saturday parking-lot events will also include special guests — the farmers themselves. Various growers will visit the stores each Saturday to say hello to shoppers and answer questions about their produce.

Associated Retail Operations operates 42 stores across Utah under the five aforementioned banners, all of which are based in Salt Lake City.