FAQ
Do you accept WIC?
Yes!
Can I buy a case of an item?
Yes, you can place a case order at customer service. Member-owners will get a 10% discount on case orders.
How do I become a Member-owner?
You can become a member-owner by signing up at our customer service or online HERE>>. Becoming a member-owner is a one-time fee of $100 and you can revoke your membership at any time for the return of your $100.
What are common food labels I would see in-store? What do they mean?
ORGANIC
The USDA organic seal verifies that irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically-modified organisms were not used. The product has 95% or more certified ingredients.
The seal on organic meat means that animal health and welfare needs were met along with 100% organic feed and no use of antibiotics or growth hormones. https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic
NATURAL
According to the USDA, meat, poultry and egg products labeled as “natural” must be minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients. There are no standards for the farm practices. The USDA has standards for meat and eggs, but there are no regulations for labeling of other natural foods.
FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade means a fair price and fair living conditions for farmers and producers. This is a model for trade that allows consumers to identify products that were made under practices that seek greater equity for all parties involved. http://fairtradeusa.org/
NON-GMO PROJECT CERTIFIED
The seal with the butterfly indicates that the product has gone through the Non-GMO Project verification process that follows best practices for GMO avoidance. http://www.nongmoproject.org/
UPCYCLED CERTIFIED
The Upcycled Certified Program is the world’s first third-party certification program for upcycled food ingredient’s and products. https://www.upcycledfood.org/certification
What is the Green Bag Program?
Our Green Bag program gives you 10¢ to either donate to our Register Round-Up program or take off your grocery total when you bring in any reusable bag.
What does Valley Natural Foods do to be sustainable?
Glad you asked! As a team, we have done some amazing things that we feel make a positive impact on our store and the environment!
Currently, we are:
- Recycling plastics
- Have timed lighting
- Eliminated all plastic water bottles under 1 liter
- Have no plastic bags at registers
- Run on 100% renewable energy
- Receipt paper is BPA free and recyclable
- Discount produce that is close to expiration to prevent food waste
- Donate close to expiring food to local food shelves
- Compost what we can’t donate
- Offer classes that educate positive environmental topics like; composting, gardening, etc.
Here at VNF, we have “The Green Team” a group of environmentally passionate staff who come together monthly and think of ways we can better our store sustainability, and collaborate and educate others on environment and sustainability.
Where can I recycle?
Recycling materials can get confusing at times. Just remember not to “wishcycle” and expect everything you put into recycling to be recyclable.
- Recycling containers need to be clean.
- Paper/cardboard cannot be recycled with oils or other residue.
- Plastic containers can be “spoon clean.”
- Items smaller than 3″ are too small for recycling machines, keep caps on bottles to assure proper recycling.
You can learn more about where to recycle locally at The City of Burnsville’s website.
What do you do to care for the community?
Our community is very important to us, and we do a number of things to try and give back! Some things we do are:
- Register Round-Up- each month we choose a different, local organization for our shoppers to give their rounded up dollars to!
- Donate to food shelves/banks- we have a food donation bin in the front of our store where customers can donate shelf-stable foods to a local food shelf, we also try to donate our close to expired food to food shelves, and partner with Open Door food shelf with our community gardens in front of the parking lot and kids school meals!
- Events- we have a variety of events like virtual and in-person classes, blood drives, festivals, and community dinners just to name a few! Some are giving back and some are just to celebrate with our community!
What are your holiday hours?
Easter – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Memorial Day – 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Independence Day – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Labor Day – 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day – CLOSED
Christmas Eve – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Christmas Day – CLOSED
New Year’s Eve – 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
New Year’s Day – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM