Green Efforts: Valley of the Moon

Oliver’s Market Green Item for the month of February is Valley of the Moon’s (a Heck Estates Winery) 2010 Rosato Di Sangiovese. We have selected this wine because of Heck Estates’ commitment to being sustainable and its perfect Valentine’s Day coupling. Heck Estate's has a long history in Sonoma County; with vineyards producing grapes for over 140 years. Heck wants to continue this tradition for generations to come by stewarding the land, reducing their waste, water, and energy consumption.

While Heck does not tote the “organic” label they do use practices that drastically reduce the need for synthetic chemicals. Their most commonly used chemical is sulfur dioxide, which inhibits oxidation and growth of microbes that can spoil wine. This is used as a preservative, ensuring the wine is in peak condition when it reaches the customer. Heck Estates reduces the need for chemicals by developing and encouraging the growth and health of the natural ecosystem. Predatory insects and birds keep pests at a manageable level. Sustainable grape growing provides much of the benefits of organic farming, with less risk and at a lower cost of labor.

Real Food. Real People…means passion

For me, "Real Food, Real People," means  leveraging  my experience, as the Montecito Produce Manager, to offer our customers the best produce at our stores. I'm passionate about produce and especially passionate about great produce that is organic, local, tree ripened  or handpicked.  In the thirty years I've been selling produce in Sonoma County I've developed amazing relationships with local growers: relationships that translate into everyday quality and value for us to offer for our customers.  One of the great things about being a Produce Department Manager for Oliver's is that I have the freedom follow my passion and trust my judgment in sourcing the best fruits and vegetables for our store.  I'm proud that our quality is second to none.

Oliver’s isn’t just a job—it’s an experience!

My name is Roxanne Abruzzo-Backman, most of my career has been in the grocery business.  Prior to Oliver’s, I worked at a major chain for 22 years as a Deli Manager and Assistant Store Director.  This business is what I grew up with…I know it well and I love it (that’s why I have stayed around). 

I started working at Oliver’s 8 years ago as the Deli Department Manager in the Cotati store.  I am currently the Food Service Coordinator and have been in this position for 3 years.  I made a life changing decision when I came to Oliver’s.  I was a single mom raising two young boys and working a ton of hours to make ends meet.  Getting a job with a regular structured work week was very appealing to me, because I felt as though I was missing too much of the important years and events in my children’s lives, due to work.  I made the best decision for my family and have never looked back.

Real Food. Real People…starts with commitment

For me, "Real Food, Real People" starts with our commitment to the local economy. As a twenty-seven year resident of Sonoma County, I’m proud to work for a company that walks their talk about supporting local vendors & suppliers. As the Supplement and Body Care Buyer, it means getting to work with amazing Sonoma County manufacturers like Randal Vitamins, Simpler's, Shikai, and Better Botanicals to name just a few.  I know that by supporting these companies, I'm helping to support both our customer's well-being as well as Sonoma County's economic health.

Green Efforts: Straus Family Creamery

Oliver’s is proud to showcase Straus Family Creamery’s organic yogurt as our Green Item of the Month. Bill and Ellen Straus’ tremendous history of land stewardship and progressive dairy management began after Ellen read Rachel Carson’s seminal Silent Springs. We at Oliver’s are pleased to partner with a business that is a leader in sustainable business practices and a valuable member of the community.

Straus currently practices many sustainable methods including: organic certification of their land and animals, methane gas capture, not using GMO products, proper waste management, and packaging their products in reusable containers.

Straus became an organic farm in the 90’s. Straus commitment to producing the best product possible has led to implementation of “green” practices (including organic certification requirements). No hormones or antibiotics are used, and when needed, cows are treated with homeopathic methods. No herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers have been used on the farm since the 1980’s. Natural pest control and solar powered bug zappers are used to eliminate pest from cows at different stages. No Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or Growth Hormones are used in the feeding of Straus cows.  All of these practices create a healthier cow, which in turn produces a healthier dairy product.