PCC Community Markets is committed to being a positive force in the lives of people who work in our supply chain. We will not tolerate child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, abuse or harassment. We expect employers to meet or exceed legal requirements for labor practices, worker health and safety, and housing.
Fair labor berries
PCC participated in ongoing conversations with Driscoll’s Berries in 2016 to better understand some labor issues and encourage development of a Certified Fair Trade line. By December, Driscoll’s let us know it could begin shipping us Certified Fair Trade strawberries and raspberries in early 2017. Driscoll’s has expanded their Fair Trade program and more growers are joining the certification process. About 5,500 berry workers in Baja are covered by the Fair Trade USA program. Since organic berries come from across Mexico and California, and because the Fair Trade program is up and running only in the Baja so far, the Fair Trade supply is limited. It is possible PCC could have Fair Trade berries one day, and non-Fair Trade berries the next – or both at the same time. Fair Trade berries can be identified by the Fair Trade logo on the package.
Fair labor bananas
PCC sells only fair labor bananas from the GROW Foundation, which improves the lives of field workers and provides resources for their communities, such as free daycare. The program has provided medical, dental and educational programs and scholarships for students in Colima, Mexico. PCC has raised more than $100,000 since 2006.
Fair labor chocolate
PCC is believed to be the first U.S. grocer to sell only chocolate made from ethically sourced cocoa. We sell chocolate only from vendors providing assurances that child slave labor is prohibited and follow International Labor Organization Fundamental Conventions. These include strict prohibitions against child slave labor, as well as provisions about age, working conditions and fair wages for all workers. PCC requires its chocolate vendors to answer specific questions and sign affidavits ensuring their chocolate adheres to this standard. All brands must be either certified by an independent third party, or sign PCC’s Supplier Agreement ensuring they meet the standard.
Fair labor coffee
Since 2003, all PCC whole bean coffee is fairly traded or traded direct, and is certified organic and shade-grown. Fair prices and access to credit supports better nutrition and healthcare for farming families, keeps the kids in school, and enables reinvestment in the farms. Fair trade also is good for the environment, encouraging sustainable farming methods that are safer for communities and wildlife.
Fair labor seafood
PCC’s fresh seafood comes from the USA only, in part to avoid seafood procured by illegal fishing and by practices that exploit workers in other parts of the world. Some canned tuna at PCC is foreign-caught, but vendors have provided written assurance that their operations are not engaged in labor abuses. Forced labor exists throughout the world, but the problem is most pronounced in the South China Sea, especially in the Thai fishing fleet, which faces perennial worker shortages.
Fair labor sugar
At PCC, we buy sugar from ethical sources, such as Wholesome Sweeteners. Wholesome Sweeteners sugar is produced without toxic pesticides or fertilizers and is Certified Fair Trade, ensuring humane working conditions. It’s produced by employees and farmers who have access to social programs that include health care and education.