Another notable product transfer, Albert's Organics. This company connects any buyer with produce and meat, you guessed it, that is all USDA certified organic through QAI. Within the real food criteria this means that all of the produce that CDS buys through Albert's Organics is ecologically sound! This product change helped to greatly improve the amount of produce that is considered Real Food. During non-harvest months such as February one would expect a decrease in the produce that is real food since it is far more difficult to buy local during this time. However by purchasing from Albert's Organics, despite the non-harvest month, real food in produce increased in the month of February compared to September. (Photo courtesy of Albert's Organic website)
Some information we learned while researching Albert's Organics is that the USDA sources other companies to complete organic certifications in many cases. To be considered organic by the Real Food Challenge criteria the food must be certified by the USDA so when we saw that all of Albert's produce was certified by Quality Assurance International we had to do some more research. After talking with a representative from Albert's Organics and researching QAI we quickly found that their accreditation falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA. You find out something new everyday here!
Some information we learned while researching Albert's Organics is that the USDA sources other companies to complete organic certifications in many cases. To be considered organic by the Real Food Challenge criteria the food must be certified by the USDA so when we saw that all of Albert's produce was certified by Quality Assurance International we had to do some more research. After talking with a representative from Albert's Organics and researching QAI we quickly found that their accreditation falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA. You find out something new everyday here!