Happy New Year from the Co-op. I want to kick off our 2023 with a heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported us through two power outages in late December. In the span of a week, we experienced the two worst outages during my time with the Co-op, over 18 years. In both cases, staff worked tirelessly to clear products from our refrigerated display cases and move them to our refrigerated trailer, which can operate on a backup generator.  We also needed to empty the behind-the-scenes walk-in coolers for the prolonged outage on the 23rd and 24th. In both cases, the entire process had to be done in reverse, quickly and accurately, to get ready for eager customers. It was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely grateful to my coworkers. 

Customers did their part by being patient and kind despite the inconveniences. Particularly on the 24th, when we opened four hours late (after being closed on December 23, typically our busiest day of the year), it seemed that everyone navigated the crowded aisles and waited for service with good cheer. I also want to acknowledge our many local vendors who were dealing with icy roads, cold temperatures, and power outages of their own. The whole experience demonstrated some of the reasons we can be proud of our co-op community. 

And here is another reason: This year’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food and Fund Drive, co-hosted by Hunger Mountain Co-op and Northfield Savings Bank, raised $17,123 and collected nearly 1,000 pounds of food for the Vermont Foodbank and central Vermont food shelves. In the three-year history of this campaign, our co-op community has raised $56,874 and collected nearly 3,500 pounds of food. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important initiative. 

This month we have another opportunity to help our neighbors. Co-op shoppers can round up their total to the nearest dollar or donate at the register to support Capstone Community Action’s Fuel Your Neighbors campaign, helping to ensure that our neighbors do not go to bed cold or hungry this winter. The Co-op will be matching Give Change donations dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $5,000. 

Thank you for your support. Here’s to a cooperative 2023! 

Kari Bradley (he/him)
General Manager
[email protected]
(802) 262-3219