We define local as anything grown or value-added in the state of Vermont or within 100 miles of our co-op. Local is ingrained in every aspect of what we do, and our support of local goods and vendors can be found throughout the store. 

These are just a few of the ways you and the Co-op had a substantial local impact last year: 

• $9.3 million in local product sales, close to 40% of our total sales 
• 390 Vermont vendors provided goods & services 
• 63,314 dozens of local eggs sold 
• 96,744 pounds of local apples sold 
• $77,345 in donations to local organizations 

We carry a wide variety of local products, many of which are among our staff’s favorites. 

Laura in Wellness loves Vermont Bee Balm Original Lip Balm because it works great and has only two ingredients. Simplicity at its best!  

If you’re looking for a local skincare option, Laura recommends Green Seed Herbals Rose Facial Cream.  “It’s clean and rich with a beautiful rose scent.”  

To make it through the depths of cold and flu season, Laura recommends McFarline’s propolis spray. It’s easy to administer and offers terrific immune support. Great to use at the first sign of a scratchy throat. 

Looking for a healthy meal on the go? Co-op made salmon sushi rolls hit the spot for Rhianna. Give them a try! 

Our frozen foods buyer, James, says of Strafford Organic Creamery ice cream: “Great ice cream from an awesome creamery. Mighty tasty!!” It doesn’t get much better than that.  

Even in winter, we’ve got local produce options. Muffin, our produce manager loves 1,000 Stone Farms mushroom medley. Beautiful, Vermont-grown mushrooms, year-round. Amazing! 

Muffin in produce says, “The only thing better than a sweet potato is a Vermont sweet potato!” Try these Covington sweet potatoes from Laughing Child Farm for a warm winter treat.  

When Mark in the produce department grows tired of fresh, organic fruits and veggies, he reaches for a Magic Spoon chocolate chip cookie. He recommends you do the same.  

The folks at Golden Rule Mead are all about local. Starting with their partnership with Artesano, another Vermont mead producer, and extending to the local farms they source their ingredients from, it’s a true Vermont treasure. Innovative flavors and lovely, diminutive bottles are a hallmark of Golden Rule Mead, and it comes highly recommended by Nessa, our wine and beer buyer.  

According to Nessa, our wine and beer buyer, Wild Branch Cider is the “perfect expression of what hard cider should be.” Need we say more? 

Higgins Hot Sauce is one of those hidden gems. Based in Woodbury and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, they create deeply flavorful hot sauces and marinades that are out of this world. Micum in our receiving department says, “the burnt garlic is good on anything, meat, veggies, eggs – during cooking and after.” 

Looking for a sweet treat to go with your steamy cup of tea or coffee on these cold winter days? Elizabeth, our demo coordinator, and all-around grocery guru, thinks you should try Comfort Cookies. “The chocolate chip coconut walnut is so good!” 

Despite good intentions to cook wholesome meals at home, sometimes you just need something on the go. Hunger Mountain Co-op made sandwiches are just the thing. Elly, our HR assistant, says “There are so many choices, I have to put them in rotation. But when I want something really special, I go for the Goddess Wrap.” 

Lloyd in the front-end is a big fan of Flack Family Farm Kimchi. As a connoisseur of these things, he has tried many varieties, and this is the one he loves the most.  

Co-op made ginger garlic tofu. When I asked staff for their favorite local products, this is the most widely recommended item in the store. Perfect for snacking plain or to add to a meal, it’s wholesome deliciousness can’t be beat.  

Thomas the Cat recommends VT Raw chicken patties. “I love this chicken so much. I beg for at least an hour before breakfast and dinner every day. I wish the humans believed in lunch for kitties, can someone talk to them about this?”  

Robyn from our Community Relations department raves about Sherpa Foods vegetarian momos. “Perfect for lunch, heated up or cold, shared or not. And the sauce!” 

Vermont Soap Company bulk bar. Robyn reports that this soap is compatible with her very sensitive skin. The lovely scent of the oatmeal lavender variety is an added bonus! 

Monument Farms Dairy. These folks hit the mark on so many points: local, humanely raised animals, sustainably made, and affordable.

Every month, we also feature a local nonprofit organization as the recipient of our Give Change program. Now through February 27, our featured community partner is Good Samaritan Haven, which provides emergency assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Good Samaritan Haven believes safe housing is a human right. They honor the common humanity and diversity of all people and are committed to treating each person they help with fairness, dignity, and respect. 

Co-op shoppers can round up their total to the nearest dollar or donate at the register. Click here if you would like to opt-in to being asked at the register to round up. Curbside Pick-Up shoppers can add a donation to their cart while shopping online.