Letters to the editor, January 2003

Organic on a fixed income

Your monthly paper keeps me informed, as a believer in cooperatives, with what is going on. Thank you. I have wanted to speak up as a retired professional, shopper, and member. While the produce in our stores goes organic, the prices makes purchases on my budget impossible. That means I elect to shop at a second or third choice location for produce. I would rather do all my grocery purchases in one place.

Perhaps those deciding this philosophy could give an explanation and even rethink or research our membership needs for some non-organic basic produce items. Surely there are others who have fallen from middle income to lower income in this growing income gap, who feel as I do.
— Cora Lawrence

Editor: I spoke with our CEO and our Producer Merchandiser and confirmed that organic produce, by far, is the single strongest driving force that brings shoppers to PCC stores. Organic is central to our mission and values and the overwhelming majority of our produce is organic because it’s what most of our shoppers want.

However, there are ways to help buy organic economically, or at least to prioritize what you buy organic. Goldie Caughlan’s column, “Ask Goldie!” addresses precisely this topic in her regular column. Thank you for writing, Cora!

Member Appreciation Days

This in response to Toby Harris’ Letter to the Editor in the December Sound Consumer. Toby was disappointed with PCC’s “marketing” choices. I have been a PCC member for many years and my reasons for belonging are much the same as Toby’s. However, I strongly believe in the Member Appreciation Days. This is a nice way to say thank you to your patrons. We all like to be appreciated.

When I joined PCC, I expected to pay higher prices in order to have healthier food choices. I felt that in this way I would also support the growers and manufactures who provide me with these choices.

PCC provides me with the opportunity to support both the growers and manufacturers and, through PCC’s marketing program, to save money in the process. This definitely works for me.
— Virginia Southas, Bellevue

Not 12 hours after I sent my rant of an email (about longer lines, product shortages, impossible parking, and overworked checkers on the 15th), I received a card from PCC noting the extended discount days in December. I appreciate this.

My roommate and I had a rather intense discussion about the benefits of PCC membership even with the long lines on the 15th. I was somewhat mistaken in the overall concept of the 15th. I was under the impression that that was the only day that members could receive benefits from membership. The reality is, PCC has extended featured prices to all shoppers, every day, instead of just to members. The 15th is just a thank you to members.

As I now understand the system, it makes much more sense. As I think about it, it appears that more people will be able to get the good stuff. Perhaps those without memberships will wonder what the big deal is on the 15th and purchase a membership as well.
— Geoffrey Crofoot

I’m just reading the latest newspaper for December and the letter from the woman who calls the 10% day insulting. I want you to know that I really don’t agree with that.

I think the 10% day is wonderful. It’s a gift back to me and it’s not being like QFC or Safeway. Please don’t do away with the 10% days. I do my shopping in such a way that I really take advantage of those days. Thanks!
— Kathy Copeland, View Ridge shopper

In response to the Letter to the Editor from the PCC member who takes exception to the Members Day and clipping coupons as a corporate marketing ploy: Saving an extra 10% on Members Day and clipping coupons allow me to purchase more organic and sustainable products (and hopefully support more organic growers and manufacturers). Organic products cost more and for those who need to budget our dollars in order to purchase these more expensive items, I say thank you to PCC!
— (Name withheld upon request)

Editor: Due to the strong positive response, PCC will expand Member Appreciation Days to the 15th and 16th of each month, starting January 15, 2003.