• Whole and Minimally-Processed Foods: These foods are universally recommended by nutritionists as the basis of a healthy diet.
• Local, Small-Scale Farming in Season and Local Producers: Local foods tend to be of higher quality as they are typically fresher and better tasting; the cost of transporting products long distances is detrimental to the environment; and local production strengthens our local economy. In addition to showcasing local producers, HWFC supports local organic Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) pre-orders.
• Organically Grown Foods: Organic foods are produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, irradiation or genetically modified organisms, which have been shown to be harmful to humans, animals and the planet.
• Environmentally Sustainable Products such as Paper and Cleaning Supplies: These products have a lighter environmental impact because they are biodegradable, incorporate recycled materials, and use more environmentally-friendly materials and chemicals.
• Ordering, Displaying and Selling Food in Bulk: Bulk foods protect our environment from excessive packaging and conserve natural resources. Many bulk foods are also nutritious whole foods and are often less expensive.
• Affordable Price: HWFC is committed to providing the most nutritious food obtainable at the lowest price by stocking whole, unprocessed foods and by offering Members the opportunity to contribute time to the co-op for discounts on purchases.
• Fair Trade and Companies that Practice Fair Labor Practices: Fairly traded products and fair labor practices offer producers and employees a living wage and humane working conditions, while unfair practices show a disdain for human welfare.
• Health and Nutrition Education: We believe that people can make better dietary and lifestyle choices if they are well informed.
• Minimal Packaging: HWFC has consistently invested resources in maintaining a substantial volume of products in bulk, so that customers can serve themselves, use their own containers, and avoid the use of prepackaging. HWFC also recycles packaging for customers where possible, investing time and resources into finding outlets and in sorting. The coop has also avoided where possible single-serving packaging. The increased presence of these items in the store is reflective both of changing lifestyles among our customers and items introduced to the store through the CAP program, which is collectively run with other co-ops who have differing priorities. Emphasis is placed on customer education and the debate is ongoing.
• Co-operative Activities: We believe that acting in cooperation gives people control over their lives.

Continue to Section 6: What We Avoid