Meat, Poultry & Seafood

Health and ethics are important issues for today’s consumer. While shopping for food, more and more consumers are considering if their food is organic, if it was produced locally, or if it’s a certified fair trade item. If it’s an animal product, more and more people are also factoring in how that animal was raised, treated and processed.

In light of the recent record recall of 143 million pounds of beef (an estimated 37 million of which went to the National School Lunch Program in 36 states), Linden Hills Co-op would like to remind the public that there is a place to purchase beef that is raised locally, naturally, sustainably, safely and humanely.

We carry beef from Thousand Hills Cattle and other local producers who raise their animals right here in our region. Thousand Hills cattle are grass-fed from calf to cow, and are processed locally as well. The benefits to the health of the environment, consumers, the local economy and the cattle themselves are many. Plus, the taste is superlative compared to conventionally processed beef cattle.

About 10 billion animals—-chickens, pigs, turkeys, cows, and other animals—are raised for human consumption each year in the United States. Most of them are raised by large producers rather than small family farmers. And on some of these farms many animals suffer extreme discomfort and pain in the name of efficiency.

At the same time, those large operations that are most likely to subject animals to poor conditions are also more likely to negatively effect the environment with pollution. And large operations are most often subsidized by the government.

According to a 2003 Gallup poll, 62 percent of Americans favor strict laws to protect farm animals. In a Zogby poll taken the same year, 82 percent of the respondents said that there should be laws protecting farm animals from cruelty. And in a survey conducted by researchers at Ohio State University in 2005, 92 percent of those surveyed believed that farm animals should be well cared for.

The best way to support products from animals raised humanely is to know more about the supplier. The good news is that shoppers who patronize Linden Hills Co-op can put a face to the food they purchase and rest assured that the utmost care and attention has been given to their meat from start to finish.

• We’re proud to offer products from animals raised wtihout using animal by-products, artificial growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics.

• We work with local farmers whenever possible to bring you the freshest meat and poultry available.

• We seek partnerships with suppliers who treat animals humanely, including those who meet and exceed the requirements for free range standards.

• Certified organic meats must meet all Federal standards, including the use of certified-organic feed.

• Our seafood suppliers take great care to find sources of high quality, environmentally friendly fish and shellfish.

To read about some of our local suppliers, visit the suppliers page.

If you would like more information about choosing healthier options for your family, download this brochure about meat from the National Co-op Grocers Association, or this one about fish and seafood.