A new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that fruits and vegetables are less expensive than most protein foods and foods high in sodium, added sugars and fat based on how costs of the foods are calculated.

A common perception is that healthy diets are not affordable based on studies that found many healthy foods cost more per calorie than less healthy foods, said the 50-page study, Are Healthy Foods Really More Expensive? It Depends on How You Measure the Price.

While Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s (and purportedly Publix) are making inroads into the Carolinas, one hometown grocery chain is fighting to hold its own while others are thriving.

Bonnie Lundblad of Sunny Valley International chatting with Ken Ryan of Sun Pacific. (Photo by Arthur O’Leary)

Christopher Ranch is continuing to promote its “Monviso” heirloom garlic, a product that is proving popular with retailers. “Christopher Ranch is excited about the upcoming garlic season,” said Patsy Ross, marketing director for in Gilroy, CA-based company, which has a Northeast division in Edison, NJ, to service the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Market.

Giumarra Wenatchee will jazz up its line of commodities imported from New Zealand this season with two limited offerings: the Lemonade and Smitten apple varieties.

Giumarra Cos. is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in Wenatchee, WA. The company was created in 1922 and markets a full manifest of apples, pears, kiwifruit and other commodities in the United States.

Rod Bangert, general manager of the Carolina Blueberry Association in Garland, NC, said that blueberry growers in the state started picking on May 1, about 10 days ahead of schedule this year.