Your Local Natural Foods Source Since 1971
We support the health of our customers and our community by offering a comprehensive selection of natural foods with a strong emphasis on organics, completely organically grown produce and wine departments, cutting edge nutritional supplements, natural cruelty-free body care, Fair Trade gifts, and more!
We are committed to supporting our local suppliers because local food is fresher, has better flavor, reduces the use of fossil fuels, and benefits the local economy. During 2007, we took field trips to local farms and suppliers and met the people behind the products. We visited Albert at Straus Family Creamery in Marshall, local farmer Joe Perry in Fremont, Dick at Lakeside Organic Gardens in Watsonville, Mark at Marin Sun Farms in Point Reyes Station and met the goats at Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery in Sebastopol.
Organic
Organically grown food is good for our health and good for the planet. Organic growing methods keep chemicals out of the air, water, soil and our bodies while promoting biodiversity. It reduces farm pollution, protecting farm workers and the surrounding environment. Organic food tastes better and has more nutritional value.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade is a growing international movement ensuring that disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods, safe working conditions, long term contracts; and support to gain the knowledge and skills to develop their businesses.
There are a number of Fair Trade organizations including Transfair USA which certifies Fair Trade products (though not all products that are made or grown using Fair Trade practices are certified). Country Sun supports Fair Trade by offering an increasing variety of Fair Trade items including:
• Bananas
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Teas
• Gifts (bags, scarves, jewelry, baskets & more).
Green Policy
We’ve been committed to the health of the environment since we opened our doors in 1971. We recycle cardboard boxes and packing materials. We have discontinued plastic shopping bags at the registers although we will continue to provide customers with traditional paper bags. We encourage our customers to use reusable bags, whether paper, plastic or cloth. We sell cotton string bags, nylon Chico Bags, and organic cotton totes.
We also carry a variety of eco-friendly products from dishwashing and laundry soap to paper towels made from recycled materials.
Public Art
Country Sun is very pleased to have two exceptional creations to share with our community.
SUNS FLOWERS
Artists Jeffrey Reed and Jennifer Madden, installed in 2002.
Sculptural California poppy “umbrellas,” spiraling like lazy pinwheels, rise from the earth to shelter bistro tables while breezes catch at them to create movement. Once night falls solar batteries hidden in the up-lighted canopy will power dozens of sparkling lights, suggesting a grotto in which to enjoy a bite to eat or to drink.
Funded by: City of Palo Alto Utiltities, Country Sun Natural Foods, CAADA (California Ave Area Development Association), Palo Alto Public Art Commission and Private Contributions
UNDER THE SUN
In 2004, Mohamed Soumah, a talented artist from Guinea created an elaborate California-inspired mural that graces the side of our building to the delight of people of all ages. Funded by City of Palo Alto Art in Public Places, Country Sun Natural Foods and CAADA.
