Issues and Education
As a PCC shopper, you care about good food — you know it’s important for the health and well-being of not only your body, but the environment and communities as well. From the seed to the table, how food is produced influences practically every aspect of our world, reflecting our values, cultures, and tastes.
At PCC, we want to provide timely and important information about agriculture, nutrition, and other food-related topics so you can make informed choices about what to eat.
Issues and Education is a resource that will introduce you to current food issues, including:
- The future of food & farming
What we eat and how it is produced has tremendous impacts on the health of people, economies, the environment and communities. Learn about some of the most pressing issues affecting our food system today, from loss of farmland and factory farming to climate change. - Genetically modified food
Learn about current controversies involving genetically modified animals, crops, fish and insects, as well as how genetically modified organisms jeopardize consumer health and the livelihoods of farmers. - Healthier meat & dairy
Meat and dairy from factory farms may pose risks to your health — as well as the health and well-being of the animals and the environment. Learn about the widespread use of hormones and antibiotics, and why pastured meat and dairy is healthier, more humane, and more sustainable. - Food safety
Media reports of food-borne illness outbreaks may cause you to question the safety of our food supply. Learn about sources of food contamination, government policies, and other safety concerns, including bisphenol A (BPA), Mad Cow Disease, and irradiated foods. - Organics
Is organic food more nutritious? Is it truly more expensive? Learn about the organic advantage, the true cost of real food, what organic standards mean, and why PCC is a certified organic retailer. - Sustainable seafood
What is sustainable seafood? Learn about the privatization of our oceans, fish farming, and destructive fishing methods. Understand how PCC's standards make it easy to purchase sustainable seafood. - PCC Advocates archive
PCC Advocates is PCC's e-mail newsletter that keeps you informed about current food and agriculture controversies. See this archive to learn about recent issues we've taken a stand on, so you can take action yourself!
As a consumer-owned cooperative, PCC has taken positions on these issues and more, advocating the consumer's interest in a healthy, sustainable food system. This is one way PCC fulfills its Ends Policy, a set of mission-related policies written by our board that embody the long-range vision for the company.
Feel free to contact our public affairs staff with specific questions or concerns — we’re always happy to hear what’s on your mind and to share with you what we know. You may reach us at (206) 547-1222.