Is Harris Teeter better for Organics and Buying Local?

Well after my disappointing trip to Food Lion, I decided to go back to Harris Teeter.  I have purchased alot from them lately simply for their large selection and don't forget they DOUBLE coupons up to 0.99 everyday!  So for my family Harris Teeter seems to be the way to go for not only organics but if you coupon, it's totally worth an extra few miles!

Harris Teeter does offer their own brand of organic/natural food!

They even carry their own organic milk as well as Organic Valley (our local farmers produce for them so that would be my first choice to promote local businesses)!!!  They actually even have sales on their organic products so it is not as expensive as the "name brand" organics. 

I was so impressed with not only their selection but that have taken great effort in promoting their local farmers and specifically identifying the produce with the farmer.  It makes you feel like you have some connection in helping them and their family.  Since not all of us are able to go the local farmers market and many times it is seasonal, Harris Teeter is a local company selling local products-HOORAY!

Just a little note on their customer service which for Mooresville is awesome!  They are willing to help in any way they can.  Even the cashiers are up to speed on the coupons that don't double and warn you in advance...take a guess how I know!

In the produce section they have degradable vegetable bags which is just another extra step they have taken to be earth friendly. So all in all I will continue to shop at Harris Teeter if I can't buy direct.  Super happy to share my grocery adventure with you and do be more aware of who you are shopping with.  Many companies list on their website how they are helping the community!  Our money is better spent on folks that care about us!

Grocery Shopping-Where to find Organic?

Last week I started researching the local grocery stores to help provide some info on what is available and considered local in our area.  The three major stores that have started in NC and have kept their corporate offices here (creating jobs for us) are Food Lion-Salisbury, NC, Harris Teeter-Matthews, NC, and Lowes Foods- Winston Salem, NC.  Each carry their own line of organic food and do promote local farmers by purchasing seasonally from them.

Food Lion Organic Brand  

Per their website they promote local farmers...here is some info!  However, I am sadly disappointed in the one in Mooresville.  I am not bashing the store as I have shopped there for years but in my quest for a better lifestyle have decided Food Lion does not offer the items in which promotes an organic, natural, or sustainable way of living.  I was able to locate a few items "All Natural" Organic but seriously less than 10 items in the whole store.  The organic products they carry from other companies such as Newman's Own (only 2 choices) was placed at the bottom of the display so that unless you are looking specifically for it...forget it you won't see it!  Their produce section has somewhat tried to emulate Harris Teeter with the information posted about the local farmers but failed to mention anything about what they bought from them.  At least with HT they post the farmers pics and info with the products so they genuinely wish to let the consumer know where there food comes from. The only benefit in going to FL is how close it is to our home but I believe the cons out way the pros in this matter!  Needless to say after many years of shopping there, I am internally urged to take the extra few miles into Mooresville for Harris Teeter/Lowes Foods.  I am hopeful that I will have an opportunity to speak with someone at Food Lion and request more organic food but we shall see! 

NORTH CAROLINA FARMERS FOOD LION BUYS FROM

BAILEY FARMS
Chile peppers, tomatillo, daikon radish, yellow and green squash

BOTTOMLEY FARMS
Christmas wreaths, roping, and centerpieces, Fraser fir Christmas trees, pumpkins, cantaloupes, cabbage

BURCH FARMS
Mixed vegetables, focusing on sweet potatoes, greens and cabbage

COTTLE FARMS
Strawberries, blueberries, grape tomatoes, cantaloupes, squash, cucumber, eggplant, a variety of peppers

CRITCHER BROTHERS
Cabbage, potatoes, watermelon, ornamental gourd, pumpkins, Christmas trees

LEWIS FARMS
Strawberries, blueberries, bell peppers

NASH PRODUCE
Sweet potatoes, cucumber, peppers, cantalopes

PATTERSON FARMS
Tomatoes, strawberries, sweet corn, bell peppers, cantaloupe, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, banana pepper       

My plan is to provide you with a little more information on the stores in this area I have personally shopped at.  If we can share more info we have a better chance of knowing our options.  I am a bargain/coupon shopper and want to include that into buying organic...can it be done????