Our Commitments - Hunger Mountain Co-op

COVID-19 Protections

At the Co-op we are committed to the health and well-being of our customers and employees. To limit the spread of COVID-19 infections, we have deployed numerous CDC recommended protections:
- Hand sanitizer and masks available.
- Tight-fitting HVAC air filters and increased airflow.
- Registers with plexiglass barriers.
- Free online ordering and curbside pick-up for members.
- Masking is currently recommended but not required. Masks are available by request.

Reduction to Energy Consumption

Reduced refrigeration demand in winter by circulating in cold, outdoor air. Heat reclamation tank captures excess heat from refrigeration system to preheat on-site water.

Solar Energy Offsets

A solar panel carport offsets nearly 2% of energy use and provides free charging to our shoppers. Two solar arrays will largely offset annual electrical consumption.

Food Reuse and Composting

Food fit for consumption but deemed unsalable is used by the kitchen or donated. Unused organic material is locally composted and then repurchased and sold.

Recycling Program

The Co-op recycles all materials approved by our recycling partners including non-waxed cardboard, refundable bottles, plastic wrap from our pallets and products.

Environment Friendly Programs

Some of our programs include electronic receipts, reusable takeout containers, travel mug discounts, and donations for bringing reusable shopping bags.

Environmental Policy

Hunger Mountain Co-op is committed to environmental excellence and pollution prevention, meeting or exceeding all environmental regulatory requirements, and purchasing products with greater recycled content, lower toxicity, less packaging, and reducing the use of natural resources.

For our environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts, Hunger Mountain Co-op was designated one of the first Green Grocery Environmental Leaders by the state of Vermont in 2016.

View Our Impact

Buying Policies

Locally Produced

We prioritize products that are grown and produced by local or regional vendors.

Organic

We prioritize products that are grown and produced organically.

Non-GMO

We prioritize products that are genetically modified organism and hormone free.

Fair Trade

We prioritize products certified as fair trade and/or produced by cooperatives.

Green Packaging

We prioritize products that use minimal, recycled and recyclable packaging.

Humane Animal Products

We prioritize animal products that are humanely raised.

Locally Produced

We prioritize products that are grown and produced by local or regional vendors.

Organic

We prioritize products that are grown and produced organically.

Non-GMO

We prioritize products that are genetically modified organism and hormone free.

Fair Trade

We prioritize products certified as fair trade and/or produced by cooperatives.

Green Packaging

We prioritize products that use minimal, recycled and recyclable packaging.

Humane Animal Products

We prioritize animal products that are humanely raised.

Request a Donation

When reviewing requests, we take the following into account: relevance to our mission, the timeline of the request, the amount of requests received in any given timeframe, and the overall donation/sponsorship budget.

Request a Sponsorship

Hunger Mountain Co-op is pleased to be able to support the community through our sponsorship program that provides event and program funding in exchange for advertising opportunities.

Community Giving

We believe that together with our community partners, we can deliver a positive impact for central Vermont and beyond.

View Our Impact Donation-Sponsorship Request

Tabling

As part of our mission to educate the community, the Co-op offers tabling opportunities as a forum for community groups to share educational materials with Co-op shoppers. Educational topics must be related to our mission to create and sustain a vibrant community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce.

Request a Table

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is a top priority. We accept product returns with a receipt within 60 days of purchase.

Product Review Policy

In general, the Co-op favors providing current and comprehensive information and reasonable alternatives to its customers rather than boycotting products. We support the exchange of information between customers about our products.