I stopped in at Sunflower Farmers Market out on Orange Grove Road the other day only to find a new sign indicating that Sprouts Farmers Market now runs the place. It looks like the other Sunflower locations in Tucson are following suit as well.

Inside, everything seemed calm and like it's always been, but signs of change were afoot. Employees were donning their new Sprouts gear and signs assured shoppers that while things were going to be somewhat different, there would still be a commitment to quality.

I like the Sunflower/Sprouts model of grocery store, especially when you compare it to just about any other large grocery chain out there. I realize it bears no resemblance to a real farmers' market - in a way, I don't think they should even be allowed to call themselves one - but the food and drink selection is far better than at the Super Walmart or Safeway.

But hey, Sprouts, how about setting up a program to sell lots of stuff actually produced in and around Tucson? Maybe even just a section of one aisle where we can find things made by local Tucsonans? And, please put in a growler-filling station like they've installed at Whole Foods. Thank you.