Please join us in celebrating Local Love this month. Supporting the local food system is a priority for us as it is at the core of our mission. Last year (July 4, 2022–July 2, 2023) we purchased goods and services from 362 different Vermont vendors, and we sold over $11 million in local products, which was about 39% of our sales. You can learn more about our local contributions by reading our Impact Report.  

There are many positive impacts when we support our local vendors and producers. Supporting the local economy has become increasingly important with the increased cost of living and high rates of inflation.  The money that we spend here stays here and helps to support the overall resiliency of our local food system and those who work in it. A demonstration of that is Vermont’s own Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, which reports that between “2011–2020 Vermont’s food system economic output expanded 48%, from $7.5 billion to $11.3 billion.” During that same period “more than 64,000 Vermonters were directly employed by over 11,500 farms and food-related businesses.”   

How we choose to spend our dollars matters, and it is inspiring to know that our choices can benefit our neighbors and the broader Vermont community. I am proud to be part of an organization that not only supports but prioritizes and values it.  Thanks for helping us spread Local Love! 

And you can help us to serve you better. Our annual Shopper Survey is open, and we’d love to hear your feedback. Take it online or grab a paper copy from the exit way. You’ll be entered to win one of five $50 Co-op gift cards, and everyone who fills it out can pick up a complimentary Co-op calendar at our customer service desk.