Metro's organic basket program expands to 19 stores

Metro’s is proving its commitment to providing Quebec residents with local produce throughout the year. On Monday, Metro announced it is partnering with environmental group Équiterre Family Farmers Network for the third year in a row to help distribute organic baskets across Quebec. READ: Metro’s local purchasing policy is put into practice The baskets, which contain six to 12 varieties of fruits and vegetables, are distributed weekly at drop-off points across the province. Customers who are interested in receiving baskets register with a local farm, and can pick them up the baskets in the parking lots of the participating Metro stores. The fruits and veggies in the basket are dependent on the items currently in season. Nineteen stores in total will be participating this year, up from 14 last summer. There were three participating stores when the program was first introduced in 2012. READ: Metro’s Irresistibles chicken products now 100% from Quebec “By signing up for organic baskets, those who registered can get a chance to meet their adoptive farmer who will treat them all summer long by offering fresh vegetables,” explains Isabelle St-Germain, deputy director at Équiterre. “It’s a unique culinary experience to enjoy the taste of vegetables that are grown here with tender loving care by their family farmer.” The agreement is in line with the Local Purchasing Policy Metro introduced in 2013. Since the policy took effect, Metro has launched three pilot projects in which it buys products from suppliers in in the Lanaudière, Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre du Québec regions and sells them in nearby stores. At the first anniversary of the policy, Metro announced 100% of its Irresistibles chicken products would be sourced from Quebec