The Co-op Buying Policy
1. PURPOSE:
This policy serves to provide the Department Buyers with general and specific guidelines for purchasing stock for the store, and to inform owners and vendors about our Co-op’s values and purchasing goals.
2. OUR GOALS:
Wholesome food is necessary for our well-being, and we strive to buy the freshest, purest, and highest quality foods available at the most reasonable prices possible. We are committed to buying from local growers and producers whenever possible. We search out new sources for pure, delicious, whole foods; and we provide our customers with information on products and changes in the whole foods industry. We strive to offer our customers high quality choices to satisfy a range of needs and tastes.
3. OUR VALUES:
We support: farmers who practice sustainable agriculture, the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, humane treatment of livestock and poultry, socially responsible companies, and the use of renewable resources and recyclable materials.
4. GUIDELINES:
We strive to avoid: products produced with the use of pesticides, herbicides, GMO’s, antibiotics or growth hormones, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners/colors/flavors, preservatives, additives, cottonseed or hydrogenated oils. We will not carry irradiated foods, farm-raised fish, nor foods grown by hydroponic means.
5. U.S.D.A. CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS:
With the introduction of federal standards for organic products, interpretations of the term “organic” will vary. We will provide many U.S.D.A. certified products. We will also continue to carry alternatives that reflect our goals, values and guidelines.
This Blue Hill Co-op Buying Policy applies to products stocked in the store. Pre-order buying is determined by individual customers.
Revised 2/2010
