• Why do people choose Natural & Organic foods?
• What is Natural?
• What is Organic?
• How do you know if a product is organic?
• What are the benefits of eating natural and organic products?
• I'm new to buying natural and organic products...where do I start?
• What is Nature's Promise Marketplace?

Why do people choose Natural & Organic foods?

People may choose Natural & Organic products for various reasons, some of which include:

• General wholesome lifestyle
• Concern about chemicals used in manufacturing and packaging of food
  
• Concern for the environment
  
• Vegan or vegetarian lifestyle / diet
  
• Support for organic agriculture
  
• Specific health concerns (i.e. food allergies)
  
• Concern about food safety
  
• Better taste

What is Natural?

• "Natural" is defined as being "produced or existing in nature." Keep in mind that "natural" may mean different things to different people.
  
  
• Natural foods are minimally processed without synthetic preservatives; artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors; growth hormones; antibiotics; hydrogenated oils; stabilizers; and emulsifiers; but may have been grown with the use of pesticides or other conventional methods.
  
  
• There is no official FDA definition for the term "natural” when used on food product labels. The USDA defines "natural" but only as it relates to meat and poultry. Products carrying the "natural" claim must not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners; chemical preservatives; or artificial or synthetic ingredients that do not occur naturally in the food. Unfortunately, "natural" is not certified and products do not carry an official seal.
  
  
• Although organic food is natural, natural food is NOT necessarily organic

What is Organic?

"Organic" refers to the food as well as to the way it is produced. Organic doesn’t mean that the food is necessarily locally grown. The USDA has set the following standards for organic foods:

How do you know if a product is organic?

Read the label! The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95% organic! Use of the seal on packages is voluntary. Some packages may display the seal of the certifying agency instead.

If you do not see the USDA Organic seal, here’s what the labels mean:

• "100 percent organic” - All ingredients in the product are organic. Fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and meat are 100% organic. These products will most likely contain the USDA Organic seal.
  
• "Organic” - At least 95% of ingredients are organic. These products will most likely contain the USDA Organic seal.
  
• "Made with organic [ingredients].” - The product contains at least 70% organic ingredients. Product can not display the USDA Organic seal.
  
• "Organic [ingredient]” - If the product contains less than 70% organic ingredients, it can’t label itself as organic on the front panel or display the USDA Organic seal, but it can list organic ingredients on the side panel.

What are the benefits of eating natural and organic products?

• Reduces chemicals in our food supply (and in our bodies!)
  
• Fewer pesticides in soil, water, and air
  
• Creates healthier environments for both humans and wildlife
• Many claim that organic foods have more flavor

I’m new to buying natural and organic products…where do I start?

If you are new to buying organic and don’t know where to start, it makes sense to start with fruits and vegetables that are more porous or absorbent, therefore containing higher residues. By choosing organic for the following foods, also known as the “dirty dozen”, you can reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 90%:

What is Nature’s Promise Marketplace?

Natural and organically grown foods aren’t sold just in health foods stores anymore! TOPS features the Nature’s Promise Natural and Organic Marketplace. This is an entire section of the store dedicated to natural and organic products. In addition, our marketplace associates are certified and trained to help you find the right products for your needs.

TOPS carries not only familiar name brand products but also a line of natural and organic products called Nature’s Promise. You will find Nature’s Promise products in your dry grocery, dairy, meat, and frozen sections! Just look for the purple display labels to guide you to natural and organic favorites throughout the store!

Introducing Nature’s Promise, TOPS’ new brand of natural and organic products at a value you can count on every day.

10 Good Reasons To Go Organic

1. Organic products meet stringent standards
   Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
   
   
2. Organic food tastes great!
   It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
   
   
3. Organic production reduces health risks
   Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
   
   
4. Organic farms respect our water resources
   The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
   
   
5. Organic farmers build healthy soil
   Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
   
   
6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
   Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
   
   
7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
   Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.
   
   
8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
   The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
   
   
9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
   USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
   
   
10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
    Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.
    

Online Resources:
Organic Trade Association - www.ota.com
USDA’s National Organic Program – www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Organic Consumers Association – www.organicconsumers.org