Ingredients You Can Trust

We believe good food is defined by more than just taste. Good food is delicious, nutritious, and it’s good for our planet, our local economy, and our community, too. As a Co-op, it's our responsibility to know where food comes from, what it’s made of, and how it’s produced. That way, you don’t have to think twice about what you put in your cart.

All the products you find in the Co-op are thoughtfully chosen for their quality of ingredients, source, flavor, and environmental impact according to our strict buying guidelines and quality standards. Here’s what we look for:

skagit valley food co-op produce department display — Our Buying Guidelines

**Fresh and delicious food**
**Basic whole foods**
**Organically grown products**
**Minimal packaging wherever possible****Products that are cooperatively produced and/or distributed**
**Products that are grown, produced, distributed locally****Items which are third party certified by organizations that align with our values (such as the Non-GMO Verified Project)**
**Foods that satisfy limited and special diets**
**Foods with cultural relevance and authenticity**
**Non-toxic, environmentally-sound household and body care products**
**High quality nutritional supplements**
**Products that are not tested on animals**
**Meat and dairy products from animals that are raised humanely, pastured, grass-fed, and without antibiotics or added recombinant bovine growth hormones (RBGH)**
**Wild and responsibly harvested seafood**

grocery basket with natural grocery items — Grocery Department

Each and every product on our shelves meets at least 4 out of 5 of the following criteria:
**NO harmful preservatives**
**NO artificial flavors**
**NO artificial colors**
**NO refined sugars**
**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.

cows grazing in field — Meat & Seafood Department

We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste or price to enjoy sustainably grown and ethically-sourced meat and seafood. We partner directly with local ranchers, farmers, and fishers to provide the highest quality, locally-raised, natural meats. And, with all of our meat and seafood suppliers, we work to maintain competitive prices while also adhering to these guidelines:
**All vegetarian feed, no animal by-products**
**NO antibiotics ever**
**NO harmful preservatives, fillers, or MSG**
**NO artificial flavors or colors**
**NO growth hormones or steroids**
**NO farmed salmon**
**Wild caught seafood**

water with daisies floating — Wellness Department

Wellness goes beyond the food you eat. In fact, many of our shoppers come to the Co-op for the first time in search of hard-to-find wellness products that serve as healthy, natural alternatives. From essential oils and natural remedies to whole food supplements and shampoo and soap (lots of soap!), no matter what brings you to the wellness department, you’ll find clean, effective ingredients safe enough for the whole family. Our wellness products meet the following standards:
**Not tested on animals (look for the Cruelty-Free bunny!)**
**NO artificial flavors or colors**
**NO parabens**

Buying Guidelines

Ingredients You Can Trust