AUSTIN, TX - As product sourcing remains increasingly more important to consumers as they go grocery shopping, Whole Foods Market has announced the launch of its third-party certification program known as Sourced for Good. The program was created to support responsible sourcing by improving the lives farmworkers, strengthening worker communities in which products are sourced, and promoting environmental stewardship where crops are grown.

“At Whole Foods Market, our Sourced for Good products not only are good, they do good,” said Karen Christensen, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Perishables. “Our commitment to equitable trade has funded numerous community projects—from dental clinics to housing facilities to student scholarships to bird sanctuaries. By purchasing select products, customers help us in our goal to make a difference, and now with Sourced for Good, we’re offering shoppers an easier way to find these special products in our stores.”

In addition to its own Sourced for Good seal, which can now be found on over 100 products throughout Whole Foods stores, many offerings within in the new program are certified by internationally recognized third parties. According to a release from the retailer, this includes Fair Trade USA, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade America, Fair Food Program, and Equitable Food Initiative.

Products that have received the Sourced for Good seal range from produce items such as asparagus and zucchini to domestically sourced items such as tulips.

The Sourced for Good seal was designed by Whole Foods to help shoppers easily identify products that meet sourcing standards required by the program. A recent online study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the retailer found that among 3,000 U.S. adults, 75 percent say that it is important for them to know products are responsibly sourced when grocery shopping.

Starting in 2007, Whole Foods Market began working with third-party certifiers under its Whole Trade Guarantee to bring about positive impacts and generate money to support farmworkers, their communities, and the land. The Sourced for Good program will replace the Whole Trade Guarantee.

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