Wegmans Has Local Flair By Using Local Farms

Wegmans may be a chain — and a big one at that — but it does go for the local feel by working with local farmers and merchants to offer shoppers products from their backyards.

Northborough Wegmans, right now, gets apples from Carlson Orchards in Harvard. Carlson has the "largest representation in the store right now," said Jo Natale, Wegmans spokesperson.

Since it is the end of the growing season in New England, Natale said Northborough Wegmans is looking to next season for more local produce.

"Next year, when we are able to take full advantage of the local season, we hope to have many more represented," she said. "Chain-wide, we work with more than 500 local growers who deliver product directly to our stores. We also have meat raised in Massachusetts (Ioka Farms in the Berkshires)."  

Flowers at Wegmans in Northborough arrive from Cavicchio Greenhouses in Sudbury as well as Olson's Greenhouse in Raynham.  

Seafood, too, gets trucked in from Great Easter, Slade Gordon in Boston, High Grade in New Brunswick and several suppliers out of Chatham, MA. 

And at the Food Bar, Wegmans in Northborough keeps it local with a menu that includes a lobster roll and fried clams, among other local faves. You won't find that at a Wegmans in upstate New York.