Hello Loyal Soup People!
A question that we are often asked here at Soupergirl is – are your soups certified organic? Are they non-GMO? The short answer is… its complicated!
While I definitely appreciate the organic movement and the benefits it has brought to our food chain and the planet, things have become confusing as the movement grows.
First, oversight is lacking. With so many companies and farmers trying to obtain organic certification, it is difficult for the certifying agencies to keep up! The USDA sets the organic standards (which often change). USDA approved third party certifiers grant and enforce certification. Many of these certifications come from abroad where organic standards are different and often quite lax.
Second, the certification process is extraordinarily expensive and time consuming. It is extremely difficult for small farmers to keep up with all the paperwork associated with the application and re-certification process. For example, many of the farmers with whom we partner practice sustainable, responsible, organic-style farming practices. They simply cannot afford the certification process. We don’t want to punish these farmers – we want to support them and help them grow!
Remember that a certification process is just that – a long, laborious, expensive process. I would much prefer having a chat with my local farmer about their farming practices than purchase a frozen bag of certified organic squash from the other side of the planet!
Love,
Soupermom
*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!
Marilyn Polon (Soupermom), Co-Founder and CAO (chief anxiety officer) has been worried about Soupergirl since the company launched in 2008. Actually, even before that. Her career has also been random and fascinating. After twenty years as a speech therapist, Soupermom changed careers and became a volunteer coordinator. She then had a wonderful stint as a docent at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was then dragged out of retirement by her daughter who insisted that they start a soup company. Could that be any more random?
All of the company’s recipes come from Soupermom’s kitchen. Honestly, she’s a testament to the power of healthy eating. Her hobbies include really long hikes, walking, doting on her granddaughters, and coming up with new recipes for Soupergirl. She is also a guru of all things health related but gets the words to every single song she sings incorrect. All of them. Loudly. Lastly, her laugh is contagious.