Valley grocery stores are diversifying their local-first initiatives.
Since gaining mainstream momentum during the recession, the "local movement" in the grocery-store realm has historically focused on produce, according to Tim McCabe, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance.
The movement encourages consumers to seek out products from local companies in an effort to keep money flowing back into the local economy, rather than pumping dollars out of the community.
Today, grocery stores are expanding their local focus, first from produce to craft beer and wine, and now to packaged foods and non-food items. The latest Arizona initiative is a new program between Bashas' and Local First Arizona that is shining a spotlight on Arizona-made products ranging from bacon-pecan brittle to handmade soaps.
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