Our Sourcing Principles
Rootstock believes that what we eat—and how and where it’s grown—matters. That’s why our sourcing principles are rooted in relationships, transparency, and a deep respect for the land and people who feed us.
From fields just outside of the Bay Area to your kitchen table, our produce is chosen with intention.
Sourcing isn’t just about logistics—it’s about values.
Flavor and Nutrition First
1.
Crave-worthy
Our number one goal for you and your family is to enjoy food. We choose that the best organic produce is grown with care. We believe that delicious, peak-season varieties sometimes only available for a short time are worth waiting for if we truly. It doesn't make the cut.
2.
Grown for Wellness
We choose farms that trust and love the land. We believe that healthy soil means more nutrient-dense produce. Our boxes are full of fruits and veggies that nourish the body naturally. When you see our vibrant colors, big flavors, and real nutritional value.
3.
Curated by Us, Guided by You
We expertly curate the best local produce instead of wandering the grocery store. Instead, we focus on curating the best local produce, identifying special items you can't find at the grocery store and bringing them directly to you based on your feedback. Get a favorite fruit you're craving? Want more savory snacks? We're listening.
Farmers as Partners
4.
Built on Relationships
Our model is built on long-term, trusted relationships with growers. We don't just buy produce—we invest in people. We solicit continuous feedback and collaborate with farm partners to help them grow better and their business model. We contract our members to our farm partners through storytelling, events, and educational workshops.
5.
Good Grower Economics
Our food system must support farmers. Relationships let us collaborate with farm partners to agree on pricing that compensates fairly for quality and ecological practices. At least 77 cents of what is paid for typical grocery store on the farm, compared to an industry average of 16 cents. We help regenerative practices by paying a 15% farmers more for stock with the safest food we're accepting catch-flow, we pay within 14 days compared to typical 45-60 terms. Our goal is to be a vital part of these with real farm economics in mind.
6.
People-Powered
Our farm partners are educators, advocates, and community leaders. They care deeply about their crops and communities they serve. We work with farms that maintain both good food and a positive culture to communicate for their staff.
Farming and Food for the Future
7.
Local & Transparent
We source directly from within 150 miles of the Peninsula. We prioritize regional farm clusters so produce travels less and we're choosing to trust where and how our local. Shorter supply chains mean fresher produce today, lower carbon footprints, and stronger regional food systems. And when fresh, seasonal produce comes from the farm. We also work with values-aligned aggregators and distributors when they help meet the needs of both farmers and members.
8.
Organic & Ecological
Every farm we source from either is certified organic—meaning our tree chemicals, no banned substances standards. In fact, they usually go above and beyond the regenerative and ecological practices that support soil diversity. We love that health, and conserve water resources. It's not just about doing no harm. It's about how steward their land for generations to come.
9.
Changemakers and Climate Action
We believe that local change—and that takes curiosity, courage, and collaboration. We partner with farmers whose land stewardship is focused today and in the future is shape tomorrow, bringing bold ideas to impact local regenerative farming and climate-smart crops to compostable packaging to carbon-negative delivery. We source from farms that are leading the way.