The Market at Anacortes was certified in March as an organic food handler for our Meat Department, joining the store's Produce Department, which carries the same designation.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture issues certification as a way of ensuring the integrity of foods listed as organic. It has established standards and a rigorous checklist for retailers to pursue before certification can be issued.
This checklist includes inspection of the store's management practices in handling organics, including everything from recording product arrival in the store to equipment clean-up for organic products.
The Market at Anacortes is proud to be one of the only certified organic retailers in the state, and the only one in Anacortes. Our Produce Department offers over 100 organic items daily, and receives fresh deliveries six days a week. Like the Produce Department, the Meat Department follows stringent practices of separating organics, clearly labeling products and providing employee training in proper procedures. The goal is to handle organic produce and meat with the same level of care that is required to grow or produce it.
The Markets are committed to providing customers with exceptional food quality. One of our Store Managers, Paul Shepard (Southside Food Pavilion) is a member of the Washington State Department of Agriculture's Organic Advisory Board.