Wakefern Food Corp. is committing $500 million to source fresh produce from local and regional farmers across the Northeast over the next five years.

The Keasbey-based supermarket cooperative said the investment will give a boost to regional economies as well as reinforce long-standing relationships with local farms. It also said the move will strengthen retail offerings across its 380-plus stores.

Wakern’s banners include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Dearborn Market and Morton Williams.

Group Vice President of Fresh Travis Riepenoff said, “By bringing our family-owned stores and local, family-owned farms together, we create a win for everyone.

“Our customers enjoy access to fresh, high-quality produce, our Wakefern members deepen their local connections, and we continue to make our supermarket banners premier destinations for farm-fresh foods,” he added.

Eat local

The announcement came ahead of Wakefern’s annual local produce supplier summit.

The co-op launched the initiative last year as a way to meet increasing customer demand for locally sourced foods. It also provides a unique platform for farmers, suppliers, retailers and industry players to come together.

The summit is scheduled for July 15 at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. The one-day event gives farmers and growers an opportunity to connect with Wakefern procurement teams and explore potential retail partnerships.

The summit features panels with Wakefern members, industry leaders and growers. It also includes presentations on topics such as produce sourcing and quality assurance.

This year, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn will participate in a discussion with growers and other experts about the state’s celebrated “Jersey Fresh” program.