Garden Gove, CA

“We have always been dedicated to creating our tofu with US-grown, non-GMO soybeans here at House Foods, and we are thrilled and honored to have the third party verification from the Non-GMO Project,” says Yoko DiFrancia, House Foods’ PR and Advertising Manager.  “We understand how important it is for consumers to feel confident about what they are consuming, and we are committed to providing healthy, natural, and non-GMO tofu products.”

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are organisms created through a relatively new form of biotechnology science.  DNA is merged together from different plants, animals, and bacteria, creating something that cannot occur naturally. The Non-GMO Project is committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing third party verified non-GMO choices.

House Foods America’s entire line of tofu, which includes their Bulk Tofu, Organic Tofu, and Premium Tofu in every firmness level and flavor, is now “Non-GMO Project Verified.” Consumers will be able to find the Non-GMO Project’s verification seal on all House Foods’ tofu products starting this fall.

About House Foods America

Tofu specialists since 1983, House Foods America Corporation (HFAC) is dedicated to bringing you the most affordable,highest quality and widest range of the freshest Tofu products.  House Foods America uses only non‐genetically modified (non‐GMO) soybeans grown in North America.  In a taste test conducted by the San Francisco Chronicle, House Foods Tofu was rated #1 among its competitors and described as “creamy,” “tender” and “fresh-tasting.”  For more information visit www.house-foods.com.   

Contact:
Truth Be Told PR
Jamie Bussy / jamie@tbtpr.com
Anna Calle / ana@tbtpr.com
(212) 477-8090

]]> http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05/15/house-foods-america-receives-non-gmo-project-verification-for-tofu/feed/ 0 http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05/08/highlights-from-the-non-gmo-challenge/ http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05/08/highlights-from-the-non-gmo-challenge/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 22:43:26 +0000 admin http://www.nongmoproject.org/?p=5674

In April of 2012, the Non-GMO Project launched the Non-GMO Challenge in celebration of Earth Month. The objective of the Challenge was to give people an opportunity to make a meaningful non-GMO commitment while learning more about GMOs and having fun in the process. On our website, there were daily and weekly activations that included answering quiz questions, posting pictures of the Non-GMO Project verification mark on products, sharing a non-GMO meal, and swapping out a product that potentially contained GMOs for one that didn’t. We also asked people to tell us the story of their non-GMO commitment in words, pictures, or video.

The amount of participants in the Non-GMO Challenge is an amazing reminder of how passionate our Non-GMO Project community is. More than 54,000 people visited our website, and over 6,000 people did one or more of the Non-GMO Challenge activations.  Far more inspiring than the numbers are the words and images that were shared throughout the month.

From purchasing non-GMO food to planting heirloom gardens and organizing others to fight genetic modification, the Non-GMO Challenge highlighted how action-oriented our community is.

The winner of the Ultimate Non-GMO Dreambox, Myndy Mastracchio told us that she inspired change in her home by having her children seek out the Non-GMO Project verification mark when shopping. She says:

My kids love looking for the Non-GMO Project seal—we have made it into a game. As you know, stores target children by marketing to them with cartoons and colors. My six year old son will find a product appealing, but then become disappointed when he reads that it contains high fructose corn syrup among other ingredients that he knows are GMO. I found that teaching them early what to avoid is VERY important!

Myndy won the Ultimate Non-GMO Dreambox. Included in the box is a year’s supply of Nature’s Path product and two months worth of Sambazon beverages. Thank you to all of the companies that donated product and coupons for the Challenge: Nature’s Path, Sambazon, Enray, Wayfare, Lundberg Family Farm, Follow Your Heart, R.W. Garcia, Funky Monkey, Sophie’s Kitchen, Kashi, Attune, GoMacro, Manitoba Harvest, NibMor, Wayfare, Guayaki, Follow Your Heart, Peanut Butter and Co., Choice Organic Teas, Coconut Bliss, ProBar, Beanfields, Natural Vitality, San J., Wholesome Sweeteners, Kashi, Alvarado Street Bakery, WholeSoy and Co., Garden of Eatin’, Fruit Bliss, Crofter’s, and HomeFree!

Congratulations to the winners of our weekly Non-GMO Dreamboxes:

• Marie Frazier
• Jasmine Keyvanpour
• Heba Saleh
• Beth Mickens

We received so many great entries! A favorite was this video from “A Patented Life.”  A Patented Life is a project launched by three social workers who documented their six week “personal rejection of the genetically modified seeds that compromise the food on our tables, small farms around the world, and our relationship to the land.” What an amazing undertaking!

Here is a small selection of the thoughts and stories people shared during the Non-GMO Challenge:

I cannot believe that GMO’s are safe for myself, others, or the planet.  Everything needs to be in balance, to stay in balance.  When we change the genetics, it will have far reaching consequences that we cannot begin to fathom.  I believe it has negative effects already.  We cannot see the future negative consequences for our children, and our children’s children… little by little what I can to make changes to live a  non-GMO life.  Education is extremely important, in learning as well as sharing with others so that they also can make an informed choice.  Planting organic seeds, food, cleaning products, beauty, & health care are my focus of change.  I have made changes, & will continue to do so.  To do so, I believe, is to live the best life possible.  - Barb Ogilvie

***

Trying to turn things around by bringing awareness. As a holistic health coach I often give workshops on the topics of nutrition and health. My more recent talk was just a month ago and I had about 50 people in attendance gather at our local library. The workshop covered organics vs pesticides, factory farming, processed foods and GMO’s. It was a huge hit and my attendees were astonished at what was going on. The more people know the less control those bio-tech ag companies will have. That’s my adventure!”  - Charissa Sharkey

***

Picked up a sample of New Chapter Organics Perfect Energy vitamins at our Co-op’s Owner Appreciation Weekend. Didn’t see the label til this morning – it never donned on me before that GMOs are in supplements! Egad. - Jessica

***

I can’t even to begin to express how thankful I am for the The Non-GMO Project! Labels are now being seen all over food products here in Hawaii. I get so excited to see the label, and feel so much better knowing I am eating a non-GMO food that has been verified. Thank you!!!!” – Mama T Gonsalves

***

Shopping with 4 kids is time consuming as it is. I love that I can quickly look for the Non-GMO Project seal and know I can trust the product. Thank you so much! – Tatiana Fox

***

I’m a 32 year old cancer survivor. I’m mindful of everything I put in my body, including not eating foods that have been genetically modified, their DNA structures changed, or otherwise unhealthy or questionable. Unfortunately, I can not trust the food manufacturers to be honest or respectful of the quality of ingredients put in their food, and the Non-GMO Project helps me with this.  – Michael Coker

***

I am committed to non-GMO products for the safety and wellness of myself and my family.  I refuse to put anything in our bodies that is not organic. - Elizabeth Snyder

***

I began to come into an awareness of the issues associated with GMO contamination in our lives over 2 yrs ago when my daughter started feeding me tidbits of information and my knowledge grew from there.  I now have such a revulsion when I see how corrupted the food supply has become.  I am convinced that it is one of the main factors responsible for wreaking havoc on not only the bodies that our Heavenly Father has given us, but the seeds of His creation as well.  Thank you for all that you are doing to help provide informed choice on the matter of GMO foods. – Margie Mayfield

***

I am committed to non-GMO for the sole purpose of our future generations that should have the opportunity to live, breathe and eat the food that mother nature intended for us. We are responsible for taking care of mother earth for us and future generations. It is our duty to take a stand and do what is right and purchase the products that preserve the planet and take a stand NOT to fund the organizations that promote the death of the human race and the planet. - Athena McAfee

***

I am so committed to providing my family the best food available!  So it’s non-GMO and organic foods that I grow for myself and for my extended family on a small mountainside farm that I manage…Nutrition is the answer to remaining healthy and as we all know if you have your health you have everything! – Dave Sky

***

Thank you to all of the people who took the Non-GMO Challenge and who are working alongside the Non-GMO Project to help protect a non-GMO food supply.

Thinking deeply about sustainability

As part of the Non-GMO Project’s celebration of Earth Month, we asked Sustainable Connections, a local non-profit, to join us in taking the Non-GMO Challenge.  Sustainable Connections has been a pioneer in building the local-living economy movement in the United States and Canada. Their work bringing businesses together to transform and model an economy built on sustainable practices seemed a perfect complement to the mission of the Non-GMO Challenge, and the Non-GMO Project overall. In exchange for sharing their first-hand experiences of going non-GMO, we offered the Sustainable Connections team a non-GMO training session, and a Non-GMO Project-hosted luncheon.

During the training, Megan Westgate (Non-GMO Project Executive Director) covered the basics of what GMOs are, what foods are GMO (and how to shop non-GMO), and why people are opting not to eat GMOs.  The Non-GMO Project wanted to ensure that the team at Sustainable Connections had the tools they needed to successfully make a non-GMO commitment. A week and a half later, we returned to their office and brought lunch! We shared a meal of potato leek and lentil soups, salad, bread, and deep dish chocolate chip pie–all non-GMO, of course! It was a real pleasure to share a meal together, and learn more about the work that each organization is doing. It was also inspiring to hear how committed the staff at Sustainable Connections were to the Challenge.

Since that time, many of the Sustainable Connections’ staff have maintained their commitment to eating non-GMO. As we wrap-up the Non-GMO Challenge, we’ve asked them to share their stories. Here are some of their experiences:

Mariah Ross, Sustainable Business Development Manager
- Watch a short clip of Mariah talking about her non-GMO commitment
I am a foodie who is already committed to buying local and organic.  I try to buy very few packaged products focusing on a diet of local meat, veggies, fruits, nuts and local dairy.  I know my meat, fisher and dairy farmers personally & I ask what they feed their animals asking specifically about non-GMO grain.  I do like to drink red wine and eat chocolate.  So, I feel like I do pretty well in my own kitchen.  When I do buy something in the package, I am going to look for the non GMO label.   I would say that I eat out fairly regularly and this is where I would like to focus on my commitment – for the next 30 days when I eat out, I am going ask my server if they could point me to any non-GMO items on the menu.  I’ll explain that I am taking part in a non-GMO challenge and am trying to consume non-GMO foods.  It will be interesting to see what kind of responses I receive.  I might ask more targeted questions like…..can you tell me if there is soy product in your salad dressing.  I will steer clear of Mexican and Asian food restaurants as I know it would be impossible to eat GMO free there.  I’m excited to learn more about what our restaurants know when it comes to GMO & what they are going to help me learn in the process.

Someone in my office is talking about giving up cheap beer…..several of us asked why when beer is a wheat product & that is a low risk item.  Cheap beer is usually corn & rice & millet….so is likely a GMO product.  I passed the knowledge along to my husband & let him know that good beer is a better choice

Three weeks later….It is almost impossible to eat out and avoid GMOs.  However, by asking what is non-GMO at every restaurant I have gone to, I have learned that servers know quite a bit about high allergen items, but nothing about GMOs.  Most servers have been very helpful bringing out ingredient lists & are interested to learn right along with me.  I am learning so much just by questioning what is in my food.  Thank you for creating the challenge!!

Laura Ridenour, Food & Farming Manager
I have changed the way I eat to include mainly meals cooked and prepared at home, no grains, and whole ingredients sourced from farmers using organic practices (including cooking fats like lard and ghee). I almost never eat pre-prepared foods, and when I do, I seek restaurants that make things from scratch and source ingredients directly from the producer so I can verify what’s in the food. Most of the tips offered on the Non-GMO website didn’t relate to me because of the changes, and that was fun to see! Looking at the long list of hidden ingredients that often contain GMOs and GE foods was helpful — I learned that I have limited my exposure to GMOs immensely with this diet.

Emily Kubiak
, Energy Program Assistant
I think for my challenge I want to do sort of an objective exploration for a week. There would be 2 parts to this. One would just involve being more aware and assessing every meal and making changes where possible to cut out GMOs. The second part would be writing a sentence or two every time I make a change, have a question, don’t have enough info to figure out if a food is safe, if I find myself in situations where I can’t avoid it, or other things like that. I think this would just be a cool way to really see how often it comes up and how relatively easy or difficult it is to make informed choices.

Three weeks later…One thing I changed in this process is that I refined my label reading skills….There are so many different facets to this problem but I think for me the most compelling talking point that I bring up when having a conversation about this issue is that GMOs are designed for increased herbicide usage and these chemicals get into the environment and the water and the food system and into everyone so no matter how much an individual cares about eating clean and organic food by using these farming practices we are increasingly taking the option to not be exposed to dangerous chemicals away from everyone. (Not to mention all the craziness with patenting genes and cross pollination… what a mess!)

Sara Southerland, Food & Farming Outreach Coordinator
My Non-GMO challenge is to not have any non-organic beer, corn or soy this month. I know organic doesn’t always ensure Non-GMO contamination, but it’s a good start.

I am a total foodie who makes most of my own food from scratch, buys local foods in season, preserves and is picky about ingredients. But, for some reason when it comes to beer or eating out at say, a Mexican restaurant, many of my usual values are not being matched. Being a part of this challenge will help me to be more aware and to consider GMOs in my diet, finding savvy strategies to avoid them in the busy day-to-day life.

Three weeks later…I discovered GMOs are in more food items than I would have anticipated – it is challenging to eat non-GMO! I also found that it is nearly impossible to eat non-GMO at a restaurant. At one of our local Mexican restaurants, I asked about their corn sourcing in regards to GMO corn. The answer I got was that the blue corn chips were organic and the yellow corn chips were not, but they were not GMO. I’m learning that the perception that if something is not labeled GMO, people’s assumption is that it’s GMO free. I’m glad the Non-GMO project is doing the work to label products that are Non-GMO, it helps! I will definitely be more aware of the products I’m buying, taking a closer look at the ingredients and help to educate others as well.

Alex Ramel, Energy and Policy Manager
I used the opportunity to learn a bit more about the types of products that may be GMO; for example, I was not previously aware that sugar beets, squash and zucchini are at risk. And I have had several conversations with my 10 year old son, Alden, about GMO’s and how to tell which foods are at risk. He has shown a lot of interest in healthy eating lately, and these discussions fit well within the general theme of training him to read the labels.

Martin Selch, Energy Conservation Engineer
When we looked at our pantry, we found that the majority of the food we eat comes from the bulk bins at the Community Food Coop, so our next step is to better educate ourselves about which of those is non-GMO…..We were very happy to see that when we looked more closely, we actually have a number of Non-GMO Project labeled foods in our house!

Learning about the prevalence of GMOs in the U.S. food supply was the last straw for me with regard to eating out. From now on, I’m paying much closer attention to what I order, and asking restaurants whether they have non-GMO options.

Michelle Grandy, Communications and Think Local First Manager
Being gluten free I have a tendency to eat a lot of corn products. It’s always been in the back of my head that I was likely eating a lot of GMO corn. I’ve always been bothered by that but have never taken the time to acknowledge that or figure out the best plan to change it. The Non-GMO Challenge was just the motivator I needed. I’ve started looking at labels in an effort to replace items in my pantry. The great thing is that I’m now more aware in general and have replaced more than just GMO corn products.

I asked Westgate if she felt certain GMOs were dangerous. “What evidence do we have that they are safe? This is an experimental technology, and if people don’t want to experiment on themselves or their children, they need to have a choice. And that’s what we’re providing.”

We’re thrilled to see the GMO issue covered honestly and thoughtfully in such an esteemed mainstream publication–it’s a big step forward in the effort to educate Americans about what’s happening to our food. To read the full article, pick up a copy of the May issue (pictured at right), and flip to page 286.

From the greenhouse to the chicken coop to the pantry, get tips and inspiration for your own non-GMO commitment.

While I certainly agree that “every day is Earth Day,” I also never turn down a chance to celebrate something good. Earth Day is a perfect time to pause and reflect on everything we’re already doing to support a sustainable Earth, and to deepen our commitments to protecting our one and only beautiful planet.

One of the most personal and direct things we can each do to preserve a healthy Earth for future generations is to choose an organic, non-GMO diet. That’s why we created the Non-GMO Challenge for Earth Month. Since the beginning of April, thousands of people have completed a Non-GMO Challenge activation on our website, and we’ve reached nearly half a million people via our social media networks with tips and encouragement for going non-GMO.

Inspired by the occasion, I created a video blog to share some of the things my husband Noah and I do to live a non-GMO lifestyle on our 5-acre homestead in Bellingham, WA. We are blessed to live close to the Earth, with rich soil, abundant wildlife, a beautiful garden and a precious collection of pets to remind us of what’s at stake, and how important it is to be good stewards of the land.

Click here to watch Megan’s Earth Day video blog. (Hint: you don’t want to miss the footage of our 3-day old chicks!)

Wherever you are on the planet and on your personal path, I hope that this day offers at least a moment to breathe deep and appreciate some of the sweet magic of springtime. As you reflect on the honor and the responsibility of taking care of our incredible Earth, remember that our personal actions DO make a profound difference.

–Megan Westgate
Executive Director, Non-GMO Project

You may already realize how critical a non-GMO diet is to the health of our planet

From Courtney Pineau, Communications Manager:

In our household, spring cleaning is often inspired by those first days of springtime sun when I discover the cobwebs and dust bunnies that have been hiding in the shadows all winter. It’s amazing what a little light can expose. Spring cleaning our diets is the same way–when you look a little closer you often find that your food contains unwanted GMO ingredients. I hope these spring cleaning tips help you find new ways to nourish your family with healthy non-GMO foods.

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology. These are organisms that would never occur naturally in nature.  There are many risks associated with GMOs, but for me I keep them out of my home because I have no interest in feeding my family experimental foods. I feel very unsettled about the studies showing potential long-term health consequences from the consumption of GMOs–there is so much that we don’t know about these engineered “foods.” I also believe that one of the most powerful things I can do as a consumer is to vote with my wallet–why would I purchase food that is unhealthy for my family and the environment?

If you are ready to spring clean GMOs out of your diet, here are ten easy steps to help you give GMOs the boot:

1) Kick-out the high GMO risk breakfast cereal
If your breakfast cereal contains corn, soy, or canola (as most do), it likely contains GMOs. Make sure that your cereal is Non-GMO Project Verified. The Non-GMO Project has a fantastic selection of verified breakfast foods.

2) Use canola oil wisely
Approximately 90% of the canola in the United States is GMO, so if you choose to use canola oil make sure you buy a Non-GMO Project Verified product. If you can’t find a verified canola oil in your local store, you can also switch high-risk canola for a low-risk alternative like olive oil (for low temperature cooking) and unrefined coconut oil (for high temperature cooking).

3) Remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean what you think it does
“Natural” products are just as likely to be GMO as conventional products. Even natural products purchased at the health food store may contain GMOs. Need help finding verified products when you are shopping? Download the Non-GMO Project iPhone app from the Apple store.

4) Pack a non-GMO lunchbox
Keep your family eating non-GMO when they are at school and work, by packing a non-GMO lunch. Many lunch items like granola bars, lunchmeats, and snack packs contain ingredients that are most likely GMO. Corn, soy, and canola are everywhere! Luckily, there are many great Non-GMO Project Verified lunch foods. Trying changing one lunch item at a time to help your family transition to food that is non-GMO. Here are some great options: snack foods, breads and crackers, frozen meals, and treats.

5) Give your soy products an overhaul
Soy is present in a huge amount of processed foods, from the obvious soy foods like soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce, to almost all packaged snack bars, meats, breads, etc.  Soy is everywhere! Since over 94% of soy in the United States is GMO, it’s important to make sure your soy products are Non-GMO Project Verified whenever possible.

6) Be skeptical of corn products
Our family loves Mexican food, however with 88% of U.S. corn now being genetically engineered, we had to look for non-GMO alternatives to our favorite products. Thankfully, there are many delicious verified chip and tortilla (search: tortillas) brands. Like soy, corn shows up where you least expect it. Be a label sleuth!

7) Look for hidden GMO ingredients
GMOs may be hidden in common processed food ingredients such as: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.

8 ) Satisfy your sweet tooth with non-GMO treats
In our culture, it is not uncommon to celebrate or show our appreciation with treats. Unfortunately, many candies and other packaged sweets are full of beet sugar, soy, and corn–all very high GMO risk ingredients. Make sure you are treating your family with non-GMO goodies!

9) Be proactive
If there is a product listed on our website that is not carried at your local grocery store, ask your local retailer to see if they can stock it. Most retailers are happy to try and fulfill customer requests. If there is a brand that you would like to see become Non-GMO Project Verified, make a product verification request.

10) Become a GMO risk reduction ninja!
First, learn what crops are GMO–thankfully, the list is short. Second, make a list of the foods your family eats the most often. Next, find a Non-GMO Project Verified alternative. If you can’t find a verified alternative, look for a certified organic option. If all else fails, looks for a low risk alternative to a high GMO risk product.

You may already realize how critical a non-GMO diet is to the health of our planet

From Dedrian Clark, Program Assistant:

Dede planting her non-GMO garden

My passion for living an organic lifestyle started back in the late 70’s when my daughter was born and I began to search in earnest for food to feed my family that was not laden with pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It soon became clear that the best way for me to ensure I was getting the freshest and healthiest food was to grow my own whenever possible. I have been gardening now for over 25 years. While I absolutely love to garden, and believe it is the best way for my family to ensure we are eating organic naturally grown food, I am finding that whatwe choose to grow in our garden is not such a simple choice anymore.

A little over one year ago, I began working for the Non-GMO Project as a Program Assistant. I have had the great pleasure of answering many of the inquiries concerning our Non-GMO Project Verification Program. As a long time advocate of healthy organic food, this is a dream job! Being a health advocate and gardener, I felt I had a pretty good handle on healthy lifestyle choices. Boy have I had an education! Like many of you, who may be just learning about genetic engineering and the potential threat to our health and environment, I had no idea the extent to which our food has been contaminated with GMOs over the last 15+ years.

When we first discussed creating the Non-GMO Challenge, I figured it would be a piece of cake for me! I’ll just make a commitment to keep up my garden and my careful choices in the grocery store…..and give up the (no doubt GMO) desserts my partner and I like to share on occasion, when we go out to dinner. But with a deeper look into my gardening practices, and with the large scale buying up of seed companies over the last few years by Monsanto, et al, I realized I really wasn’t absolutely sure “where” my seeds were ultimately coming from or who I am actually monetarily supporting through my seed/plant purchases.

After a bit of research, I quickly found a few great resources that would help me make a more “informed” commitment – a commitment to only buy seeds and plant starts from companies that are committed to preserving non-GMO seed sources! For you gardeners who may also be interested in making this commitment, or simply want to ensure you are helping to support these companies, check out Who Owns Your Seed or Catalog Company , and refer to this handy chart showing seed industry structure (unfortunately, biotech companies own a lot of seed companies!). There is also a handy listing of seed companies who have taken the “Safe Seed Pledge”. Although we do not yet have a Non-GMO Project Verified seed company, it is important we support those seed companies who are committed to the principles of preserving a safer and healthier food supply for future generations.

So for me, this challenge turned out not to be the “piece of cake” I had initially thought it would be.  Healthy choices are NOT always so obvious! I realize it takes vigilance and a concerted effort to learn more about the food I eat or grow. And if you are like me, sometimes it takes making a “commitment” – like the “Non-GMO Challenge”, to take that “next” step to ensure that our decisions are truly helping to support a healthy food system for all. Bon appetit!

For More Information Contact:
Rob Goluba
rgoluba@hearthsidefoods.com
602-354-4524

EUGENE, OR (March 21, 2012) – Peace Cereal®, a leading all natural cereal brand in the U.S., received certification from the Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program. All 15 boxed cereals were verified to be compliant with the Project’s rigorous standards in February 2012. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit collaboration of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, farmers, seed companies and consumers dedicated to the shared mission of ensuring the sustained availability of non-GMO food and products.

GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology.

“We are excited that our full line of Peace Cereal brand boxed cereals is now verified by such a well-respected organization as the Non-GMO Project,” said Rob Goluba, director of marketing for Peace Cereal. “This verification and the addition of the Non-GMO Project Verification mark on each Peace Cereal carton provide a recognizable and trusted tool for consumers to ensure they are getting the integrity and quality of ingredients that they expect.  It is truly the exclamation point on the Peace of Mind in Every Bite! tagline that we put on every Peace Cereal carton.”

The Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program is the nation’s first system designed to test whether a product has met defined standards for the absence of GMOs, providing third party verification that the best practices of GMO avoidance are in use. These standards include strict and comprehensive traceability, segregation and testing requirements.

Peace Cereal will place the Non-GMO Project’s verification seal on its packaging and anticipates consumers will see the new packaging on shelves this summer.

To learn more about Peace Cereal, visit  www.peacecereal.com or join us at Facebook.com/peacecereal or Twitter.com/peacecereal.

ABOUT PEACE CEREAL

Peace Cereal has been a pioneer in premium cereals since it was introduced in 1997.  Peace Cereal only uses all natural ingredients that are grown and made without GMOs.  Continuing the rich history of giving, the Peace Cereal Giving Back program makes a contribution to a non-profit cause for every Peace Cereal product sold. Each quarter one designated organization will receive 100% of the proceeds of the Peace Giving Back Program generated from Peace Cereal sales during that quarter.  For more information, visit www.peacecereal.com.

ABOUT THE NON-GMO PROJECT

The Non-GMO Project, launched in 2007, is a non-profit multi-stakeholder collaboration committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. More information can be found at www.nongmoproject.org and at www.facebook.com/nongmoprojectwhere over 63,000 people follow daily news and updates from the Project.

Los Osos, California

“As lifelong supporters of organic and natural foods, we are continuously looking for ways to offer only the highest quality products to our consumers,” said Veronica Rains, founding partner and Director of Operations of Wholesome Chow.  “It is with this passion that we are motivated to meet the highest standards of food safety so we can offer as many people as possible good healthy food.  We are proud to earn verification from the Non-GMO Project as it shows our continued commitment for meeting our consumers demands for safe, natural, organic and Non-GMO foods.”

The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for products made according to rigorous practices for GMO (genetically modified organisms) avoidance.  Wholesome Chow’s verified products are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard.  To meet their requirements, ongoing testing of all GMO risk ingredients, facility inspections and an annual audit are required to ensure the highest possible standards for GMO avoidance.

Wholesome Chow’s entire Organic Gluten Free and Vegan Baking Mix line will carry the Non-GMO Project’s Verification Seal.  Wholesome Chow’s entire product line is: Certified Organic, Verified Non-GMO, Certified Gluten Free, Kosher and Vegan Verified.

About Wholesome Chow

Once Upon A Time…

Long ago in the year 2009, two lovebirds decided to make a difference in the world.  They gathered together all of their knowledge of culinary creations, vegan baking and love, and out popped WHOLESOME CHOW and their GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN BAKING MIXES. 

These two lovebirds wanted the entire world to enjoy their magical creations so they hand-crafted the most decadent and allergy friendly baking mixes possible.  Using certified organic and Non-GMO ingredients, Wholesome Chow’s entire line of Gluten Free & Vegan Baking Mixes is one of a kind.   Nothing else in the market compares.

Made with love in the USA, every product is 100% vegan, which means absolutely no eggs, dairy or casein is ever required in baking their products.  In addition, every product is produced in a 100% Dedicated Gluten, Wheat, Peanut, Nut, Dairy and Egg Free Facility.   Our decadent and delicious gluten free products are free of common allergens so you can rest assured when offering our products to your loved ones.   

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Never too early for climbing? Chris greets the morning at Joshua Tree National Park.

From Chris Keefe, Outreach Coordinator:

With all of the great farmers we have in and around Bellingham, eating local, organic, whole, and (of course) Non-GMO foods is rarely a challenge, and always a pleasure… when I’m at home.  However, as an avid rock climber and mountaineer with too much on his plate (sorry, pun intended), I spend more time than I’d like to admit chowing on dehydrated meals, energy bars, and post-climb pizza.  (oh my!)  I’ll be honoring Earth Month this year by committing to clean up my act cliffside.

Let’s start with the good.  I’ve made a not-so-guilty habit of getting the bulk of my calories from organic energy bars when I’m living out of a pack.  Since I first discovered ProBars at Eastern Mountain Sports in 2006, they’ve been a staple.  I’m pretty sure I did a dance around the office when we Verified ProBar’s Nutty Banana Boom flavor last September.  And with Pure Organics’ Wild Blueberry bars and Cocoa Coconut Squarebars to mix up the palate (both Verified!), quick Non-GMO calories are pretty easy to come by on the trail or on the wall.

It gets a little trickier when it comes to hot meals.  With nine pounds of rope, twelve pounds of gear, five pounds of water, sleeping bag, rain coat, tarp, and first aid kit already in my pack, you won’t find me volunteering to carry potatoes, cabbage, and canned beans up a mountain.  And though I sometimes splurge and tote along some salad greens, the unpleasant reality is that most of my dinner calories come dehydrated in lightweight bags.  Mary Jane’s Farm has put together some really tasty organic backpacking meals, but until they get Non-GMO Project Verified, I’ll be putting together my own dehydrated meals that altogether eschew high-GMO-risk ingredients.

Organic couscous is a simple pasta made from just semolina flour and water, and it cooks quickly, packs light, and tastes great with just a little sprucing up.  Organic dehydrated black bean flakes are pretty widely available at natural food stores and online, as are sundried tomatoes, dehydrated vegetables, and spices.  Mix it all together in a small bottle or bag, pack an ounce or two of olive oil or Rumiano’s Chedder cheese for style, and start walkin!

Which brings us to the moment of truth – the crux of the pledge, if you will.   Picture it… The climb’s finally over.  With sore arms, stiff legs, and a bit of a sunburn (Washingtonian’s never quit hoping), we emerge successful at the trailhead.  And trial to top all trials, my climbing partner suggests we celebrate with pizza, veggie burgers, or a stop at the all-you-can-eat Indian buffet midway through the long drive back home.

I hereby pledge that, even in the face of this deviously delicious proposal, my answer will be, “No thanks!  I’ve got this delicious Non-GMO something waiting for us in the car.” I guess it’s time to start honing my comfort-food cooking skills…  Do you have a favorite recipe you’d be willing to share?