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, March/April 2020 | Issue No. 556

PCC SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE EGGS

After a decade of behind-the-scenes work, PCC has officially adopted a new standard for our fresh chicken eggs, requiring that our suppliers’ hens all have access to the outdoors. PCC is one of just two major grocery chains to achieve this high standard.

After a decade of behind-the-scenes work, PCC has officially adopted a new standard for our fresh chicken eggs, requiring that our suppliers’ hens all have access to the outdoors. PCC is one of just two major grocery chains to achieve this high standard.

LABEL LOWDOWN: EGGS

Practically every egg carton on the shelf advertises attractive-sounding claims. We look a little deeper to see what these labels do—and, just as important, don’t— guarantee.

Practically every egg carton on the shelf advertises attractive-sounding claims. We look a little deeper to see what these labels do—and, just as important, don’t— guarantee.

NEW STATE LAWS ALLOW MORE REUSABLE CONTAINERS. IS WASHINGTON NEXT?

Health codes around the U.S. bar customers from using their own containers in many situations at markets and restaurants. That’s changing in some jurisdictions, and Washington state’s Board of Health is considering revised guidelines too.

Health codes around the U.S. bar customers from using their own containers in many situations at markets and restaurants. That’s changing in some jurisdictions, and Washington state’s Board of Health is considering revised guidelines too.

COOKING “FOOLPROOF FISH”

Not everyone who loves eating seafood is comfortable preparing it at home. Seattle cookbook author Naomi Tomky shares knowledge and recipes in “The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook.”

Not everyone who loves eating seafood is comfortable preparing it at home. Seattle cookbook author Naomi Tomky shares knowledge and recipes in “The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook.”

FIGHTING FOR HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE “KID FOOD”

How can we raise healthy eaters in today’s society? We talked with writer and food advocate Bettina Elias Siegel, who studies the culture, science, politics and marketing that shape family meals.

How can we raise healthy eaters in today’s society? We talked with writer and food advocate Bettina Elias Siegel, who studies the culture, science, politics and marketing that shape family meals.

ONE-WOMAN KITCHEN GROWS INTO WORKERS CO-OP

Learn how Patty Pan Grill, the longest-standing concession stand at Seattle’s farmers markets, evolved into a workers co-op that produces tamales and tortillas and hosts a community “Humble Feast.”

Learn how Patty Pan Grill, the longest-standing concession stand at Seattle’s farmers markets, evolved into a workers co-op that produces tamales and tortillas and hosts a community “Humble Feast.”

UNCORKING TRANSPARENCY

Most alcohol labeling is regulated by a different set of laws and rules than the rest of the food world. Learn about this complex system and about a local winery that’s now voluntarily disclosing more information on its labels.

Most alcohol labeling is regulated by a different set of laws and rules than the rest of the food world. Learn about this complex system and about a local winery that’s now voluntarily disclosing more information on its labels.

BEHIND THE BULK: PCC ADDS “CLOSED LOOP” BODY CARE PRODUCTS AND MORE

A pilot program at our West Seattle store aims to not only expand our bulk health and body care offerings, but also offer more environmentally sustainable packaging. New bulk products in that store range from organic witch hazel to beeswax pellets.

A pilot program at our West Seattle store aims to not only expand our bulk health and body care offerings, but also offer more environmentally sustainable packaging. New bulk products in that store range from organic witch hazel to beeswax pellets.

STUDYING MICROPLASTICS, SUPPORTING FOOD ACCESS

Four times a year, PCC provides grants of up to $4,000 to two organizations engaging in environmental stewardship and social action. Learn how our latest grants will help one agency supporting healthy food meals for high school students and another studying the effects of microplastics in seafood.

Four times a year, PCC provides grants of up to $4,000 to two organizations engaging in environmental stewardship and social action. Learn how our latest grants will help one agency supporting healthy food meals for high school students and another studying the effects of microplastics in seafood.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT ON DONATION PROGRAMS

Every day, at every PCC store, drivers arrive from agencies that partner with PCC and load up their vehicles with donated food that the store staff has selected and sorted that morning. We’re working on improving our end of a complex system that helps nourish everyone from children to elders.

Every day, at every PCC store, drivers arrive from agencies that partner with PCC and load up their vehicles with donated food that the store staff has selected and sorted that morning. We’re working on improving our end of a complex system that helps nourish everyone from children to elders.

CENTRAL DISTRICT PCC PLANNED

PCC’s newest store will be in one of its oldest neighborhoods. A new PCC planned for the Central District is scheduled to open by summer.

PCC’s newest store will be in one of its oldest neighborhoods. A new PCC planned for the Central District is scheduled to open by summer.

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

PCC recently conducted its first ever in-depth water audit, analyzing every water-using component of our Fremont store. Learn how you can do a similar check in your own home.

PCC recently conducted its first ever in-depth water audit, analyzing every water-using component of our Fremont store. Learn how you can do a similar check in your own home.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Compostable packaging  •  The true cost of eggs  •  Personalized member benefits  •  Hot bar prices  •  Glyphosate use and organics  •  Carbon offsets

Compostable packaging  •  The true cost of eggs  •  Personalized member benefits  •  Hot bar prices  •  Glyphosate use and organics  •  Carbon offsets

NEWS BITES

Regulating olive oil  •  New strawberry variety  •  Robotic apple pickers  •  Blueberry producer fined  •  Kelp industry grows  •  Seafood sales fraud  •  Junk food ads  •  Wastewater, salmon & orcas  •  Family farm bankruptcies  •  Climate change poll  •  Water privatization  •  Ice cellars failing  •  Forest logging study  •  Updated winery rules  •  Ruby chocolate permit  •  Sugar imports rise  •  New NOSB members

Regulating olive oil  •  New strawberry variety  •  Robotic apple pickers  •  Blueberry producer fined  •  Kelp industry grows  •  Seafood sales fraud  •  Junk food ads  •  Wastewater, salmon & orcas  •  Family farm bankruptcies  •  Climate change poll  •  Water privatization  •  Ice cellars failing  •  Forest logging study  •  Updated winery rules  •  Ruby chocolate permit  •  Sugar imports rise  •  New NOSB members

Sound Consumer, March/April 2020 | Issue No. 556