- Nature's Food Patch
- NO GMO: Nature's Food Patch strives to stock shelves with non-GMO food options.
As the fight continues for GMO label laws in Florida, and around the country, one local grocer is doing right by their customers on this issue.
The U.S. Organic Retail and Consumer Alliance named Nature's Food Patch one of the top 12 right-to-know grocers based on their advocacy for GMO labeling. The longtime organic market in Clearwater, opened in 1987, placed in the "Diligent Dozen" out of more than 150 nationwide competitors.
The top 12 stores are considered the most transparent when it comes to GMO-labeling for in-store items; Nature's Food Patch hired GMO researcher Patience Melton, who identifies any GMO ingredients found in products. Then Melton looks for a non-GMO alternative. If Melton can't find a replacement, the GMO product is labeled as such to make customers aware.
"These stores are considered to be pioneers in the area of truthful labeling, and are seen as encouragement to other grocers to provide transparent labeling as well," the press release said last week.
Nature's Food Patch was one of the first stores in Tampa Bay to offer organic, macrobiotic, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Be sure to check out the extensive cafe and grocery store at 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com.
This article appears in Jul 11-17, 2013.