Because what we sell says who we are.
Our product standards reflect our values — every aisle, every item, every day.
Grounded in principles. Guided by purpose.
Our Values & Standards
We believe:
We believe that natural foods and products directly promote health and wellness.​
We value organic products and sustainable agricultural practices.
We value organic products and sustainable agricultural practices.
We value holistic and natural healing methods.
We believe in fair, ethical, and environmentally responsible business practices.
We believe in cultivating a respectful and supportive work environment.
We believe in supporting our local economy, community, and culture.
We believe in self-motivation and value personal responsibility.
We value a culturally rich ant diverse community.
We are committed to excellence in customer service.
We value a culturally rich and diverse community.
These values are put into practice every day, shaping the products we choose and the way we do business.
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Our Mission in Action: Global End & Sub Ends
At Community Market, our values are not just statements. They are commitments. The language below comes directly from our Board of Directors and outlines the guiding principles that shape everything we do, from the products we carry to the workplace we foster.
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We refer to this as our Global End and Sub Ends, part of the governance model we use to keep our mission focused, accountable, and community-centered.
Global End
This is our overarching vision. It represents the outcome we are working toward every day.
Sonoma County will have a natural food market that provides high quality products while maintaining social and environmental standards that promote a healthy, sustainable community.
Sub Ends
These are the five focus areas that define how we achieve our Global End:
SUB END 1: Highest Product Quality Standards
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The organic and sustainable product needs of Sonoma County will be met through Community Market.
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There will be a Sonoma County venue to market locally produced, organic products.
SUB END 2: Social Standards
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Low income Sonoma County residents will have access to nutrious, healthy, and organic products.
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Workers of Community Market will attain a reasonable standard of living for Sonoma County.
SUB END 3: Environmental Standards
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Community Market will be a model for sustainable business practices.
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Community Market will produce less waste than a business of the same size.
SUB END 4: Healthy, Sustainable Community Standards
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Sonoma County residents will have the knowledge necessary to make informed choices regarding food and nutrition.
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There will be a supportive network for progressive businesses, organizations, and individuals in Sonoma County.
SUB END 5: Workplace Environmental Standards
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Community Market will have a respectful, transparent, and accountable workplace environment in which all worker voices are considered.
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Our Product Quality Pledge
We read the label for you.
Community Market will satisfy the vegetarian, natural food, and product needs of its customers, ensuring trust with our product quality pledge.
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Our product policy is truly exceptional among local grocers. Our selection of products is designed to ensure the cleanest and most sustainable items are available to you. We strive to know every ingredient in every product before it goes on our shelves.
We research ingredients and their origins, from potato chips to toothpaste. We prioritize organic, local, and environmentally responsible companies and products, using Non-GMO verified items when organic is unavailable.
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We do not carry any products with artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup. All of our produce is certified organic, and if we can source it locally, we will. Our “Local” signage applies to products produced within 100 miles of our stores.
What We Don't Carry
Grocery & Bulk
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High fructose corn syrup
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Meat from feedlot-raised, hormone-treated, or inhumanely transported animals
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Irradiated food
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Tobacco
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Cloned or factory-farmed animal products
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Products tested on animals
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Caged eggs
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Bleached white flour
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Hydrogenated oils
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Artificial additives or ingredients
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Unethical labor or business practices
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Disrespectful advertising/marketing
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Pet products from China
Deli
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Conventionally grown produce
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Meat from animals given hormones or unnecessary antibiotics
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Non-organic ingredients when organic options are viable
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Any ingredient prohibited in other departments.
Beer & Wine
Produce
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Non-organic items
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Imported items if domestic options are available
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Non-local items if local options are viable
Supplements
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Coral calcium
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Products from companies that test on animals
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Companies using unethical advertising
Bodycare
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Non-sustainable ingredients
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Companies testing on animals
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Companies using unethical advertising
Mercantile
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Non-fair trade imports when fair trade is available
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No organic options
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Imported wines not certified organic or with local alternatives
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Majority non-regional beers
The world has changed dramatically since Community Market first opened its doors in 1975. Many of the small or family-owned companies we’ve carried and supported for years have since been acquired by larger corporations, many of which do not align with our mission and values. These shifts in the marketplace present ongoing challenges to our commitment to product quality and ethical sourcing.
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As these changes occur, we work to stay informed, adapt quickly, and educate both our workers and customers about what’s happening behind the scenes in the natural foods industry.
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We follow these guidelines when a product or company is acquired by a larger corporation that does not align with our standards for ethical business practices:
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Move affected products to less prominent shelf space (such as bottom shelves)
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Research and offer alternative products that are more local or sustainable
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Highlight ethically sourced alternatives in displays and promotions
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Provide updated information to our staff about changes to product or company status
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Track sales of affected products and discontinue items that show a decrease in customer demand