Winn-Dixie commits to buying local produce

Winn-Dixie parent company Southeastern Grocers has announced a new local sourcing policy and a commitment to buy produce from local farms and orchards in the Southeast whenever possible.

Currently up to 30 percent of Southeastern Grocers' fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables are sourced directly from the Southeast.

"The numbers clearly confirm our customers prefer locally sourced produce," said Ian McLeod, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. "We sell more than 1.1 million pounds of local red potatoes each month and more than 1 million pounds of local strawberries a month each season."

To honor this commitment, the company will work with local growers to provide a high standard of fresh produce planting, growing and harvesting. All produce is inspected by the growers, distribution centers and stores to provide the best quality product for customers.

Organic products are sourced from certified organic farmers who follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for organic farming, ensuring their crops are grown without synthetic herbicides or pesticides.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Winn-Dixie commits to buying local produce ."