Big Companies Making Big Changes

I just finished a project that explored some of the positive changes going on in the nutrition world. The LA Times recently published an article on one of the leading discount retailers in the nation and their commitment to providing sustainable fish in all 1,762 stores. Here it is --> Target and Sustainability.

Don't fight them, join them.
Major companies run nearly all of the food industry because they supply to the majority of the population. Corporations such as Walmart, Costco, Safeway and Target are leaders in production of revenue that is substantially higher than alternative stores with a smaller customer base. Whole Foods or more locally situated stores like PCC or the Metropolitan Market are great places to purchase healthful, sustainable foods, yet they have far less of an impact on the community. It is unrealistic to believe that the major corporations will fail and the alternative health driven stores will succeed beyond these major retailers. These companies have mastered the art of providing products that people want. I say don't fight them, join them. It is a definite sign of positive change to see major companies join in the fight of providing sustainable, non-toxic food to the community.

Good for Target.

Target is partnering with, “FishWise” a not-for-profit marine conservation group focused on promoting the sale of sustainable, non-toxic fish. Shawn Gensch is the vice president of  marketing for Target’s sustainability issues and he quotes, "We thought this larger commitment to fully eliminate anything that's not certified by 2015 would be the right thing to do to encourage our guests to make the right decisions."

Quality food means quality health.
Target’s decision to provide only the highest quality fish to their consumers is of significant importance to the major food industry. More people will be exposed to healthier food, and thus will have more opportunity to support sustainable fish farming. Forbidding the sale of farmed or untraceable fish in a company of this magnitude will give a positive effect on the environment, as well as keeping toxic or disease spreading marine animals out of the food system.

The initiative. 

Positive change.
I believe that Target made a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this will cause more companies to review their fish vendors, policies and make the decision to follow suit. The end goal would of course be, to only provide the highest quality of all types of food in every major retail store. The effect that this could have on the health of the community as a whole is inspiring and is a sign of positive change.