the importance of LocaL

ByAbby Powell Marketing & Outreach Manager

Our mission at Sno-Isle Food Co-op is “growing the health of our communities from the roots up.” One of the ways we work to achieve this mission is by striving for “local” in all that we do.

Across our departments, from Produce to Wellness, we value our local relationships and prioritize our time and resources to support them. Many of our department managers over the past 25 years have helped small businesses get into retail sales and discover the best methods to market their wares. We currently carry items from more than 125 local farms and producers, with the list growing each month. Last year alone, we sold over $1.2 million of Washington-made products accounting for nearly 20% of our total revenue.

But why is local such an important value? For us, choosing local is crucial for our customer’s physical health, the health of our environment, and the health of our communities.

For our health

First and foremost, local foods tend to be fresher and healthier than their shelf-stable counterparts. When we buy locally grown produce, we support the farmers who have taken the time and effort to grow fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables with minimal use of pesticides and herbicides. Sourcing locally produced kombuchas, breads, eggs, cheeses, and other goods means that we can create personal relationships with these producers and often see firsthand the conditions under which these products are made. This not only ensures the best taste but also provides us with healthier and safer food options that don’t harm our bodies in the long run.

For the environment

Another benefit of supporting local farmers and producers is its positive impact on our environment. When products come from far away or overseas, they can require a lot of transportation and refrigeration, producing more carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, purchasing locally produced goods reduces our carbon footprint and supports sustainable agriculture. Local products mean less waste- both limiting food waste during storage and transportation and eliminating packaging waste. Our producers often bring their goods straight to the Co-op with minimal packaging- if any at all! A farmer in Monroe can harvest garlic in the early morning hours, and it’ll be on our shelves by noon and on your plate for dinner.

For our community

Buying local goods contributes to the community’s economic development by supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities right where we live. According to the non-profit organization Sustainable Connections, small businesses donate almost 2.5x more per employee to local charitable causes than large, national competitors. Since 2018 our Register Roundup program alone has donated over $65,000 to local non-profits. Moreover, carrying local products also helps us build a sense of community and create a connection with the people who have grown the food we consume. When we support local farmers, we establish a personal relationship with them and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the local agricultural sector. In doing so, we all work together for something bigger than just buying food. We are helping preserve the cultural heritage, heritage breed animals, and heirloom vegetables that thrive in the Pacific Northwest region.

At Sno-Isle Food Co-op, we take great pride in offering a comprehensive range of locally sourced food and products. We firmly believe in the value of supporting local farmers and producers, and we will continue to provide our customers with fresh and nutritious products that benefit our community and the environment.