Our Produce Department strives to supply its members with a wide variety of high-quality, organic fruits and vegetables. Over the years, the Co-op has built long-term relationships with many local growers and will continue to build on these relationships. To ensure a steady supply, the Co-op also works to foster new farm relationships. We purchase locally grown products over non-local products whenever availability and quality standards are maintained.

Certified Organic Changes as of January 1, 2025

As long as I can recall, The Food Co-op has had a “certified organic” produce department. In fact, we had the only one on the Olympic Peninsula. Why was this important? The certification meant that we had been inspected by the WSDA and they verified that we were maintaining the organic chain from field to distributor to trucker to retailer to you, the customer.

Now the USDA organic regulations no longer require retailers to be certified handlers to sell products with organic claims. And due to high demand, WSDA, decided to limit their resources to business that require certification and would no longer offer this service to retailers. Which means as of January 1, 2025, we can no longer lay claim to being “certified organic” and must remove any reference to that claim in our store and marketing materials.

So, what will change? We’ll be taking down the word “certified” from the white beam above produce and removing references to “certified” in our materials. What won’t change? Our commitment to organic and maintaining that chain of integrity within our operations. In the beginging of Janaury we'll be double checking all signage to ensure compliance, as well as any other changes we may decide to implement, and will keep you updated.

Organically yours, Kenna

Each and every product on our shelves meets the following criteria:

• NO harmful preservatives

• NO artificial flavors

• NO artificial colors

• NO hydrogenated oils

• NO high fructose corn syrup

Whether it’s cereal, pasta sauce, or chocolate, you can shop knowing your food is made with quality, whole food ingredients, without the nasties like artificial colors, flavors, and harmful preservatives.

THE FOOD CO-OP SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

All of our fresh, frozen, and canned seafood meets the following guidelines. 

• Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) Seafood Watch best choice or good alternative, (green or yellow) https://www.seafoodwatch.org.

• OR

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, also recommended by Seafood Watch, https://www.msc.org. 

• For those species either not covered by MBA or not from MSC certified areas, for example, some sardines and anchovies, we support small community fisheries. 

We may stock some farmed shellfish, for example, oysters & mussels, which meets Seafood Watch best choice or good alternative. 

We will continue to collect information and monitor certifications and origins, to be incorporated in an annual review of this policy.

Words about the benefits of farmed shellfish:  Farmed shellfish actually improve the water quality by removing nitrogen, phosphate, and other nutrients from the water as they feed, nutrients that are much too prevalent in our waters due to fertilizer runoff. A single oyster, for instance, can filter as much as 120 liters of water each day. In addition, researchers have found a greater diversity and richness of species in sea beds hosting shellfish farms than in sea beds of eelgrass—from invertebrate to herring and perch to water birds. Shellfish even help offset carbon dioxide emissions by incorporating carbon in their shells.

Seafood Watch guides: Seafood Watch quick reference guides to help you choose sustainable seafood are available at the fresh fish case.

THE FOOD CO-OP MEAT GUIDELINES

We give local and regional ranchers priority if they meet our criteria and can keep up with our customer demand. All meats must meet the following criteria:

• All animals are raised on vegetarian diets

• No use of antibiotics or growth-promoting hormones

• No feed containing animal by-products

• No artificial food colorings or preservatives

• No meat or dairy from cloned animals or their offspring

At the Port Townsend Food Co-op, wellness extends far beyond what’s on your plate. We offer a wide selection of natural products, including our very own line of vitamins, to support your overall health. From essential oils and herbal remedies to whole food supplements, shampoos, and soaps, our wellness section is designed with clean, safe ingredients for your whole family. Plus, don't miss Wellness Wednesday! On the second Wednesday of every month, members save 15% in our Wellness Department—on top of any sale prices. It’s the perfect time to stock up on all your favorite health essentials.