MONTVALE, NJ - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P) is providing consumers with fresh, locally grown produce, partnering with over 30 local farms in four states to do so.

“Farmers work extremely hard year round to provide their products to the community,” Eric Kanterman, Chief Merchandising Officer of A&P, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to offer our customers seasonal produce fresh from the farm in their neighborhood.”

Through the new program, the retailer will offer over 35 varieties of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, onions, and tomatoes, plus apples, peaches, blueberries, and other fruits and berries while seasonally available. The farmers enabling A&P to do this will be local growers in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

One of those teaming up with the company is Dandrea Produce, who will not only provide fresh foods but also a farmer to meet with customers in 11 A&P locations during a “Farmer’s Market.” This farmer will educate consumers on local produce, according to the company, including when the best time to buy that produce is.

“I am proud to see our family’s fresh produce on the shelves of A&P’s family of supermarkets, and on the plates of local residents,” Steve Dandrea, VP of Sales and Marketing of Dandrea Produce, said in the release. “This collaboration with A&P allows us to expand our reach to customers who may not be able to travel to our farm.”

New Jersey growers participating in A&P’s programs include:

Also partnering with A&P, based out of Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania are:

• Magee Farms (Delaware)
• Sheppard Farms (Delaware)
• Piedmonte Farms (New York)
• Torrey Farms (New York)
• Bright Farms (Pennsylvania)    

When in season, locally grown produce will be available at A&P, Food Basics, Pathmark, Superfresh, The Food Emporium and Waldbaum’s.