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Co-ops are trusted for living up to their ethical values based on the following principles:
- Open and voluntary membership.
- Democratic member control.
- Member economic participation.
- Autonomy and independence.
- Education, training and information.
- Cooperation among cooperatives.
- Concern for the community.
Part of the Co-op Difference is that our product selection is based on our cooperative vales. In our Deli, all our coffee is locally roasted, organic, shade-grown and fair trade. Many of the cheeses we provide are local. All our grains are organic and our cooks use as much organic produce as possible.
Both our Produce and Meat Markets buy locally when available. 100% grass fed beef is now available year round from our own Bubba’s Natural Beef line. In fact, Bubba’s Natural Beef is unique in that we control product from start to finish, processing the locally-raised beef on site. Our produced seeks unique solutions to a northern climate. For instance, we carry hydroponically-grown tomatoes year-round from a local source. Organic certification matters greatly and is purchased according to availability. In both of our Produce & Meat Markets you will notice a distinct seasonality to our selection as we are always looking for the freshest, most local available products—a selection that changes with the seasons.
Our Merchandising Manager and staff of buyers uphold criteria for product selection that reflects our cooperative values, as well. These criteria include: non-genetically engineered ingredients, no artificial coloring or flavoring, adherence to fair trade principles, freshness, manufacturer warranty and no highly refined ingredients. Again, we look for local products when available and select certified organic choices. We feel that our quality selection offers a difference you can taste.
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