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The basics:

• Wakefern opens applications for local produce suppliers
• Selected growers will attend July 9 summit in Edison
• Opportunity to supply produce to ShopRite, Fresh Grocer and others

Wakefern Food Corp. is looking to bring more locally grown produce into its more than 350 supermarkets throughout the Northeast.

As part of the Keasbey-based cooperative’s Produce Local Supplier Summit, farmers and growers have an opportunity to connect with procurement teams and explore potential retail partnerships at chains such as ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer and Price Rite Marketplace.

Applications, available here, will be accepted through May 30. The co-op said applicants must be headquartered in states where Wakefern has supermarkets locations:

• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• New Hampshire

Those who qualify will receive an invitation to participate in a July 9 networking summit at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison.

According to Wakefern, that one-day event will include presentations on produce sourcing and quality assurance, as well as panels with members, industry leaders and local suppliers.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hold “speed meetings” with growers who work with Wakefern members, such as ShopRite, so they can learn more about what it’s like, the co-op said.

Helping local growers

Mark Van Buskirk, group vice president of fresh for Wakefern, described the upcoming summit as “another way to help small- and mid-size local growers bring their fresh produce to our stores.”

“ShopRite stores are owned and operated by families who belong to our supermarket cooperative and live and work in the communities where their stores operate. We want local farmers and growers to know we are here and committed to being farm fresh. We want to work with them,” he said.

Wakefern has hosted similar supplier summits in the past to find new locally made products and suppliers for its award-winning private label lines, Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Previous winners have provided new store brand sauces, spices and even restaurant-quality frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.

Wakefern’s other member companies also include Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.