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West Valley City Journal

Harmons Grocer awards $15,000 in grants to local fresh-food suppliers

Jul 13, 2020 01:50PM ● By Darrell Kirby

West Valley City-based Harmons Grocer has awarded grants to three area food companies that provide fresh products to the chain’s 19 Utah stores. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

By Darrell Kirby | [email protected]

The old saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” is especially true when it comes to local businesses helping other local businesses grow and prosper. 

West Valley City-based Harmons Grocer is demonstrating that by awarding $5,000 each to three area companies that produce and provide products to the West Valley City-based supermarket chain. 

Harmon’s Local Supplier Development Grant is part reward and part financial assistance for up-and-coming vendors from which the grocer purchases locally sourced and made specialty food items for its 19 Utah stores. 

“We know that it is tough for local businesses to compete against ‘big business’ as they try to make their retail mark,” said Todd Jensen, Harmons’ president and CEO and vice president of sales. “We are proud to offer these products in our stores and our Local Supplier Development Grant is another way for us to show our support for helping them on their success journey.” 

The funds were awarded to: 

  • Bitters Lab: This Salt Lake City company uses Utah-produced honey, apples, apricots, blueberries, rhubarb, and salt to make flavoring for cocktails. 
  • Salsa Queen: Located in West Valley City, this family-owned enterprise started by a single mother produces a variety of fresh salsas. 
  • Day’s Market Fresh Produce: In addition to operating a store in Provo specializing in organic items and fresh produce, Day’s distributes some of those products to Harmons. 

“These locally owned businesses exemplify what it means to be a local Utah business. They create delicious products with fresh ingredients and prioritize giving back to their community,” Jensen added.

Harmons started offering Local Supplier Development grants in 2016. The grocer partners with 350 area vendors to help stock its shelves with 2,600 local products, the most of any grocery chain in the state.