BriarPatch Food Co-op

BriarPatch sources from local farmers and suppliers throughout the Sacramento River watershed, guided by a formal Merchandising Policy and sourcing standards that shape product selection across the store. It supports Fair Trade and Certified Organic producers and works with local farms through a Co-op Planned Production program. Both stores run on 100% renewable electricity: the Grass Valley store generates a significant share on-site via solar panels, and both locations draw the remainder from a renewable energy program. The co-op diverts food waste to local farms for animal feed and composting, and donates unsold edible food to hunger-relief organizations. It actively reduces single-use plastics in its in-house packaging and has moved its Auburn store to a natural CO2 refrigeration system. The Grass Valley store is LEED certified by the US Green Building Council, making it Nevada County's first LEED-certified commercial building. BriarPatch is a Climate Collaborative member.