Sound Consumer

Dedicated since 1961 to informing and inspiring the PCC community through the co-op’s vision of advancing the health and well-being of people, their neighborhoods and our planet.

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Sound Consumer, February 2009

Life in the margins

The Willits farm in Washington’s Dungeness Valley encompasses many components of a native environment. Despite appearances, this environment is largely the result of human effort. John Willits planted his willows and the windbreaks that guard the limits of his beet field. He dug his pond, broadened the margins between his fields, and let them go wild. Not long ago, some might have questioned the wisdom of surrendering productive farmland.

The Willits farm in Washington’s Dungeness Valley encompasses many components of a native environment. Despite appearances, this environment is largely the result of human effort. John Willits planted his willows and the windbreaks that guard the limits of his beet field. He dug his pond, broadened the margins between his fields, and let them go wild. Not long ago, some might have questioned the wisdom of surrendering productive farmland.

Global report advocates small-scale farming

Fifty-eight governments from around the world have endorsed a radical shift in thinking about food production. They have signed on to a document saying the world must change radically the way it grows and markets food to cope with a growing population and climate change, and to avoid social breakdown and environmental collapse.

Fifty-eight governments from around the world have endorsed a radical shift in thinking about food production. They have signed on to a document saying the world must change radically the way it grows and markets food to cope with a growing population and climate change, and to avoid social breakdown and environmental collapse.

Juicing for health

Juicing fresh produce is one of the best investments you can make for your health. At a time when many investments seem shaky, this is one you can count on to pay healthy dividends. The latest nutritional guidelines indicate that we need between nine and 13 servings of vegetables and fruit every day.

Juicing fresh produce is one of the best investments you can make for your health. At a time when many investments seem shaky, this is one you can count on to pay healthy dividends. The latest nutritional guidelines indicate that we need between nine and 13 servings of vegetables and fruit every day.

Recipes from the February issue

The instructors in our PCC Cooks program always strive to share delicious recipes containing healthy fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Getting the right amount of nutrients in meals that taste great is easy with these recipes:
Teriyaki Beef Vegetable Stir-fry ·
Greens and Beans ·
Lemon Coconut Chews.

The instructors in our PCC Cooks program always strive to share delicious recipes containing healthy fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Getting the right amount of nutrients in meals that taste great is easy with these recipes:
Teriyaki Beef Vegetable Stir-fry ·
Greens and Beans ·
Lemon Coconut Chews.

Pantry preparedness: your best home-security system

These are challenging times, weatherwise and otherwise. The weather we’ve been having is a sobering reminder of the tenuous threads that our food system relies upon. At PCC, where the emphasis is on providing the most nutritious and freshest whole foods, we focus on supporting our region’s sustainable and organic farmers and ranchers.

These are challenging times, weatherwise and otherwise. The weather we’ve been having is a sobering reminder of the tenuous threads that our food system relies upon. At PCC, where the emphasis is on providing the most nutritious and freshest whole foods, we focus on supporting our region’s sustainable and organic farmers and ranchers.

Notes from the Cellar

Lily Tomlin once wondered whether life is too short to take “**it,” or whether life is too short to mind “**it.” When you think about it, it’s a question that’s as profound as it is humorous, one that gets right to the crux of how one chooses to navigate one’s way through “life.” (Isn’t it interesting how the really deep stuff is always funny or just plain absurd on some level?)

Lily Tomlin once wondered whether life is too short to take “**it,” or whether life is too short to mind “**it.” When you think about it, it’s a question that’s as profound as it is humorous, one that gets right to the crux of how one chooses to navigate one’s way through “life.” (Isn’t it interesting how the really deep stuff is always funny or just plain absurd on some level?)

Seasonal produce

You’ll find a wide selection of vibrant citrus coloring the aisles of the produce department at PCC. Look for the following specialty varieties from California and Arizona and try something new!

You’ll find a wide selection of vibrant citrus coloring the aisles of the produce department at PCC. Look for the following specialty varieties from California and Arizona and try something new!

Working for a new farm and real food

This month’s article quotes two donors and their experiences about the work being done to preserve the farmland that makes real food possible. It also mentions a fundraising dinner for a new farm that will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. at the Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. Tickets are $75.

This month’s article quotes two donors and their experiences about the work being done to preserve the farmland that makes real food possible. It also mentions a fundraising dinner for a new farm that will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. at the Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. Tickets are $75.

Letters to the editor

New Secretary of Ag · U.S. vs. Chinese honey · Raw milk · Chinese products contaminated · Choices in sugars and sweeteners · News bite was wrong · Sharing Sound Consumer out of state · Non-Styrofoam meat trays? · Garbage without plastic?

New Secretary of Ag · U.S. vs. Chinese honey · Raw milk · Chinese products contaminated · Choices in sugars and sweeteners · News bite was wrong · Sharing Sound Consumer out of state · Non-Styrofoam meat trays? · Garbage without plastic?

News bites

Washington farm statistics · Weight gain linked to recession? · Color additives from insects · Daily wine, tea and chocolate · Factory farm pollution deregulated · Another chance for bison · Catholic dollars for sustainable food · Farmer protection from GM liability · Correction

Washington farm statistics · Weight gain linked to recession? · Color additives from insects · Daily wine, tea and chocolate · Factory farm pollution deregulated · Another chance for bison · Catholic dollars for sustainable food · Farmer protection from GM liability · Correction

Your co-op

Talk to the Board · Board meeting report · Elections coming · Candidate Forums · Public policy work

Talk to the Board · Board meeting report · Elections coming · Candidate Forums · Public policy work