Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets bring an abundance of locally grown, farm fresh produce to its customers by working with 67 local farms throughout the summer. Among the local produce items currently in season and available at its nearly 200 grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia are cucumbers, corn, mushrooms, onions, peppers, potatoes, squash and strawberries.
“Fresh local produce is the perfect complement to our summer grilling favorites and we save time for our customers by bringing the farm into our store this season,” said Sarah Glunz, lead nutritionist, Giant/Martin’s. “We embrace our responsibility to support our local economy by offering customers the widest selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables as possible.”
Customers will find the farm name and location displayed on in-store signage. For those curious to know more, “Buy Local” features can be found on Giant or Martin’s websites, including videos, recipes and a list of local growers. Stores are also bringing back a cutout in the produce department where customers can take a fun “farm fresh selfie.”
Nutritionists at Giant/Martin’s offer several tips for incorporating local produce into your summer grilling and meal planning. Check out their five favorites for consuming more local produce this season:
- Skip the sugary drinks and opt for refreshing fruit infused water. Add your favorite fruits or veggies to water; refrigerate for a few hours before serving to enhance flavor. Try this delicious combination: fresh cut strawberries, kiwi, and basil.
- Fruit kabobs are fun and easy. Skewer chunks of pineapple, watermelon, and strawberries. Grill over medium-heat for 10 minutes, or until caramelized.
- Tomatoes are at their best this time of year. For a quick summer dinner; layer juicy sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil on a toasted whole grain roll. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and a balsamic glaze, for a savory meatless meal.
- Peaches are great on the grill. Cut the peach in half, remove pit, and lightly brush cut side with olive oil. Place on the grill, cut side down and remove once grill marks appear and peaches are slightly tender. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt.
- With sweet corn at its peak in the summer, go beyond just corn on the cob. Make corn salsa with black beans, healthier corn bread, corn “cakes” or toss in your salad for a little sweet crunch. Corn adds fiber to your dishes which helps keep you full. Remember when meal planning, corn is a starchy veggie so be sure to include non- starchy veggies as well.