In the world of natural foods, there is an infinite number of products and brands. There are gourmet items and solid pantry staples, all-natural, organic, and non-GMO. So, how do we decide which products to carry at Common Ground? Generally, there are four determining factors: quality, availability, demand, and price.

What determines quality? For non-local products, we must rely on certifications. Organic labeling is controlled by the USDA and must be verified by a third party process. Other labels like non-GMO, fair trade, and BPA-free are monitored by various organizations. Not all of our products have these certifications, so we also read ingredients lists. We will not carry any products that contain high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, or artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives. We often research individual companies to find out more about their business practices; we might choose one brand over another because it is cooperatively owned, or helps fund a particular charity.

Local and regional dairy, eggs, and meats pose yet other quality questions. Organic certification for livestock is costly and difficult to maintain. For example, organic animals may never be treated with antibiotics; any animal that receives antibiotics in the course of responsible veterinary care must be removed, permanently, from the organic stock. Consequently, many local livestock producers are not certified, even though they use primarily organic practices. When choosing to carry these products, we make sure that producers are using sustainable, humane practices, that their livestock is healthy, and does not receive any hormones or prophylactic drugs. We try to visit local farms periodically to see firsthand where our food comes from. The product must also be consistently available.

Most of our packaged grocery products come from our primary distributor, United Natural Foods Incorporated (UNFI). Many manufacturers do not ship their products directly to retailers; usually, we are not able to stock brands that UNFI does not carry. (However, we are able to special order anything UNFI does carry, even if we do not carry it in the store.)

We have to consider demand for the product. We may discontinue a product that doesn't sell well in order to use the space for a more popular item, or bring in something new by request. We also look at unique product attributes that are important to our customers with dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten-free, soy-free, vegan.)

As much as we value quality, price is often a determining factor in what customers buy. As long as a product meets our basic standards, we may carry items because they have a lower price. We always try to have an organic option so that our customers have a choice.  As a growing community grocery store, we want everyone to be able to participate in their local economy, even if they may not be able to afford the higher priced options.

We also taste stuff. If it's not delicious (at least by staff standards), we don't want it! Ultimately, what products we carry are determined by you, our customers, and what you choose to buy at Common Ground.   

 

Image from La Diva Cucina

3/4 cup chopped green onions  

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 

1 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio rice (short grain)  

2 cloves garlic  

5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth  

1/2 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces  

1/4 pound oyster mushrooms  

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese  

Garnish: shaved fresh Parmesan cheese