Last updated on August 17th, 2022 at 05:36 pm
Kansas City, Kansas-based Ball’s Food Stores is supporting the “Buy Fresh Buy Local” program and local chapters of the movement. August is prime time for harvesting late summer produce, such as peaches, summer squash, tomatoes, eggplants and sweet corn.
Working with more than 150 local growers, the grocer provides a selection of natural and sustainable products and is a proud supporter of the Buy Fresh Buy Local network chapter in Kansas City.
“Buy Fresh Buy Local” is the trademark of the local foods movement in the U.S. The trademark was created as a way to identify and promote locally grown foods. Since 2002, BFBL programs have been implemented by more than 100 regional and local chapters around the country.
Kansas City’s chapter has tracked a 36 percent increase in local food sales for the Good Natured Family Farmers Cooperative selling through Balls Food Stores in the Kansas City metro area since the chapter’s inception in summer 2004.
In the 1920s when Ball’s was founded, Sidney Ball, would go out in his pick-up truck in search of local produce to bring back to his wife, Mollie, and their small corner store.
“At [the company] we are passionate in the pursuit of fresh, delicious food and support over 150 local farms. It’s better for you, better for the environment and better for the Kansas City economy.” said David Ball, the third generation to run the family-owned business. “The opening of its own central warehouse in 2001 enabled Balls Foods to purchase 70 percent of its produce direct from suppliers.”
Ball’s Food Stores operates 26 supermarkets under the Hen House Market, Price Chopper, Sun Fresh and Payless Discount Foods banners in Kansas City and surrounding markets.
Buy Fresh Buy Local Chapters curate a local food guide and host events that showcase local food producers and businesses. Participating farmers, ranchers, markets, restaurants, groceries and agri-tourism sites pledge to be transparent about their growing and selling practices, and promote themselves as Buy Fresh Buy Local members.
