Local grocery store growing organic produce - KCTV5

A Findlay grocery store is working hard to bring organic foods to its customers. They're even willing to grow it themselves!

There aren't many grocery stores in northwest Ohio with a greenhouse in the parking lot, but Great Scot Community Market is doing what it takes to bring the term ‘fresh produce' to a whole new level.

Merchandising Director Benji Ballmer grows most of the produce sold in-stores through the ‘Grow for It' campaign.

"It's been incredible," Ballmer said. "There's so many people we've reached beyond what we thought we would."

One of those people is shopper Jeff Freeman, who says he suffers from several food allergies, so finding produce that's grown chemical-free is a necessity.

"It's not worth it to be constantly sick all the time, and I got tired of that, so I finally just had to learn," Freeman said. "I got a hold of my diet and avoid certain things."

Know who is growing their food isn't the only thing customers are excited about. Those willing to get dirty can volunteer to help maintain the garden and receive produce for free.

"They come in and I show them what to do," Ballmer explained. "One day it might be watering, one day it might be weeding. Every week when we pull whatever's coming off, I put in a big basket for them."

Ballmer says the store also donates produce to area food banks.

"They're doing good things," he said. "They're handing out food to people who don't have access to it."

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