Why I Buy Shetler Dairy Products

A recent article at The Atlantic's Food channel reminded me of why I only will buy Shetler Dairy milk.

See: A Tale of Two Dairy Farms

The mega-dairy farms are disgusting and so is their milk. (and this includes Horizon organic milk). Yet I know local people who won't buy Shetler because it isn't certified organic. To me, this is a perfect example of why there are times when local is better than organic - and you can be "organic" without certification. I'd rather be able to visit the cows making my milk and ice cream and see their pasture than get milk from cows on factory farms getting organic feed.

Why I Shop At Oryana

Oh Oryana, Traverse City is lucky to have a food cooperative like you.

Mark Bittman on his blog recently highlighted the need for supermarkets that strive to be better.
See: About “Better” Supermarkets

We should unquestionably support good supermarkets, but we should also be pushing them to:

- carry sustainable seafood exclusively

- carry ethically raised meat and poultry whenever possible

- carry organic and/or local fruits and vegetables whenever possible

- buy from suppliers who themselves have a conscience whenever possible

- pay their own staff a living wage, with benefits

- think about their energy usage, their waste, their community service

This sounds like what our Oryana has always done. See: Purchasing Policy

And this food co-op is so much a part of the fabric of Traverse City that I couldn't imagine this town without it. Oryana is one of those organizations that makes Traverse City more livable.

Dear Oryana,
Thank you.