PCC has introduced a new Inclusive Trade Program, for brands sold at PCC. It is a voluntary program to help bring more inclusivity and visibility to vendors from excluded or marginalized communities. To participate in this program, vendors must be at least 51% legally owned, operated and controlled by an individual(s) from one or more of the five categories, which are:
Women Owned
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), or Persons of Color (POC) Owned
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/ or Transgender (LGBTQIA+) Owned
Veterans and Service-Disabled Veterans-Owned
Persons with Disabilities-Owned
Customers will be able to find these Inclusive Trade Partners online as well as clearly identified at shelf. PCC’s Inclusive Trade Program furthers its Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) commitment, with more than 60 businesses representing over 615 products have opted into PCC’s program, with the anticipation of onboarding more brands. Vendors can apply to enroll in PCC’s program by completing an affidavit verifying the business meets the requirements. This program closely follows one founded by the National CO+OP Grocers in 2022. “Forging better pathways for a more inclusive marketplace helps create a more equitable food supply system for all”, as stated by Former Senior Director of Sustainability, Advocacy and Standards, Aimee Simpson. Looking forward to the increased visibility and opportunities this new, innovative program will produce for these communities.