Littleton Food Co-op

a community-owned market

Reflections from the Global Launch of the Initiative for Cooperatives and Civic Innovation

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This week I had the honor of representing the Littleton Food Co-op as a supporter, participant, and panelist in the two-day Global Launch of the Initiative for Cooperatives and Civic Innovation (ICCI) at UC Davis. I want to thank Professor Keith Davis for the invitation to get involved, beginning last year, and for his vision and leadership in kicking off this initiative, along with the whole steering committee and many others who brought this event together. One of my favorite things about it was that it was truly a cooperative effort!

The event convened over 100 key leaders and stakeholders who are aligned on the mission of building a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem for co-ops, one that moves us toward a world of agency, empowerment, innovation, and economic democracy. This initiative is built on three critical pillars:

  1. Actionable Research
  2. Executive Education
  3. Incubation and Engagement

[read the full pillars and more at https://grandchallenges.ucdavis.edu/challenges/reimagining-the-land-grant-university-for-the-21st-century-beyond/icci/]

Here are some highlights from parts of the event that I had a specific role in:

  • Cooperative Case Studies from Northern Italy: 🧀🍷🍇On Day 1, I was asked to introduce and moderate a discussion with two cooperative leaders from the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy. Thank you to Carlo Dalmonte, President of Gruppo Caviro, the leading wine cooperative in Italy, and Michele Falzetta, Director General of Latteria Soresina, a premier Italian dairy cooperative and the world’s leading producer of Grana Padano DOP cheese. We talked about the importance of “Patient Capital” and about the circular economy, highlighted by Caviro’s system of eliminating 99% of waste from the wine-making process, turning that potential waste into value for it’s members and the community. There’s a lot we can learn here in the US from the Italian system of cooperation, and I look forward to building on this international exchange through the ICCI. Perhaps convening in Italy next! You know, just to keep it balanced. 😉
  • Incubation and Engagement Pillar: 🤝🌱On Day 2, I sat on a panel focused on the Incubation and Engagement pillar, facilitated by Richard Morris. I was joined by Colin Rinta Stewart of C-Group Cooperative, and Stephen Sudderman of the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The conversation was focused on what is needed in order to accelerate co-op development and scale the co-op system in the US. We talked about the need for co-op friendly financing, and the potential to better leverage cash we already have in the co-op system to access additional capital. We talked about the importance of cross-sector partnerships (i.e. food co-ops, producer co-ops, purchasing co-ops, electric co-ops, finance co-ops/credit unions). And we talked about cross-sector shared digital services and infrastructure needed to address common needs across co-ops and retain value and ownership of data.
  • Growing Agrifood Solutions: 🚚🔁 Later on Day 2, I participated as a discussant along with other food co-op sector folks in the Agrifoods Solutions breakout group. Anthony Goodwin of the Development Cooperative (NCG DC) presented the case for a national grocery co-op model, which is a priority of the DC currently. I’m also on the DC Board, and this was a great opportunity for us to test some ideas and get valuable feedback. Colin and I presented the vision of the Provisions Co-op Wholesale platform and its value in facilitating regional sourcing and distribution, especially by creating connected networks of food co-ops and producers leveraging shared aggregation and distribution infrastructure. There was discussion about regional coordination among food co-ops, and we heard from Chris from Briar Patch Food Co-op, Laura from Davis Food Co-op, and a contingent from Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. We also heard from Nanyelis Diaz-Chapman of the Agricultural Platform Collective and Office of Kat Taylor about the amazing work they are doing and opportunities for collaboration to expand markets for farmers and improve food access.

Aside from these highlights, the event was valuable from a networking and relationship-building perspective, which is so important in this work. We’re building a community, and I’m excited about all the budding friendships and collaborations as much as anything. Together we are building a cooperative future!

Big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to an inspiring week!

And thanks to each of the event sponsors:

Confercoopetive Confederazione Cooperative Italiane, Cooperatione Trentina, Caviro Group, Latteria Soresina, UCD Global Affairs (Eivind Lange and Mary Puma Fund), UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UCD Grand Challenges, UCD College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Rich Morris, Development Cooperative (NCG DC), Davis Food Co-op, Littleton Food Co-op.

#CooperativeInnovation #EconomicDemocracy #SustainableAg #EconomicDevelopment #LocalEconomy #Cooperatives #CooperativeEducation #Principle6

 

Naturally Dyed Eggs

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Egg dyeing is a fun way to celebrate this time of year—and it’s a tradition that goes way back—as much as 5,000 years when Persians celebrated springtime with eggs colored with plant-based dyes. Plant dyes can be just as useful today and they’re plentiful; in fact you very well might have dye-worthy ingredients in your kitchen already. Here are some great plant-based dyes, made from fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers.

Naturally_Dyed_Eggs_HandoutDownload

Producer Spotlight: YAYA Organics

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Producer: YAYA Organics

Location: Hopkinton, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Sun and bug repellent for all ages

Website: yayaorganics.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

A new business doesn’t have to start out solving the world’s problems; sometimes the best place to start is focusing on the problems in your own backyard. In 2014, mother-daughter duo Alex and Rebecca were fed up with all the ticks in the backyard of their New Hampshire home. And the problem wasn’t going away – only getting worse each year. When they didn’t see any repellents on the market they felt comfortable using with their families, they decided to make their own. Right in their own backyard they researched and tested plant-based oils and other ingredients. Once they unlocked the potential of this type of people, pet, and environmentally-safe formulation, the business expanded; they brought on another partner, Valeria, and moved into mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and baby-safe formulas. Now, they are a 100% women-owned company that supports outdoor exploration in backyards across the country and beyond.

YAYA Organics stands by the idea that life outside is better, and what started as a simple observation turned into a national health solution that helps everyone live outside safely. Alex, Rebecca, and Valeria are proud to all be mothers that can now protect families beyond their own through their product lines. 

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: Jaju Pierogi

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Producer: Jaju Pierogi

Location: Boston, MA

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Frozen pierogi

Website: jajupierogi.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

Jaju Pierogi is the brainchild of sisters Vanessa and Casey White, but is the culmination of the mix of food and family history stewarded by their Jaju (dziadziu, or grandfather in Polish). Their Jaju operated a Polish deli in Western Massachusetts that they were in and out of throughout child. Strong cultural roots and tradition also meant that pierogi was a well-revered (and well-stocked) food at home. Growing up and moving away from family meant straining their tether to high-quality pierogi and experiencing the yearning that ultimately inspired the creation of their business in honor of Jaju. When they took their original pierogi to their first farmers’ market, they sold out within an hour. Today, Jaju Pierogi is sold across the country in co-ops and national chains alike. The sisters even made an appearance on Shark Tank in 2025. Even as the business grows, Casey and Vanessa continue to make a commitment to cultivating positive community though hard work and enthusiasm – aka “the Jaju way.” 

In addition to their delicious pierogi, Casey and Vanessa are known for infusing Jaju Pierogi with humor and spirit, whether that’s by making social media memes, wearing a literal pierogi costume, or supporting a local Polish American Women’s scholarship. Vanessa even appeared on the Littleton Co-op podcast, That’s Rad, back in 2024!

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: Bee’s Wrap

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Producer: Bee’s Wrap

Location: Middlebury, VT

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Reusable food storage

Website: beeswrap.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

Sarah Kaeck might be one of the only people who gets inspired by food leftovers. In 2011, she founded Bee’s Wrap out of her New Haven, VT kitchen after feeling disillusioned by available food packaging options. She felt called to reduce plastic use for food and protect the environment from her family’s time outdoors in the Vermont wilderness and her passion for baking. She was introduced to beeswax; a renewable, fully biodegradable material with its own natural antibacterial properties. Now, Bee’s Wrap products are made by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil to turn it into a pliable, food safe material. Sarah also cares about her workplace environment and is determined to make Bee’s Wrap a place that is collaborative, engaged, and supportive of its workers. She is acutely aware of challenges in the workplace that overwhelmingly affect women, and implements policies, like flexible work hours and family-friendly benefits, to support a gender-balanced workforce.   

Bee’s Wrap is sold across the world, and has had a number of positive endorsements from press outlets and loyal customers alike. While the company was sold to a private investor in 2021, it continues to be run by Kaeck out of Vermont and continues to offer good care for good food.

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

March is NH Maple Month

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While we love NH and New England’s luscious maple syrup year round at the Littleton Food Co-op, March is celebrated statewide as NH Maple Month. So, we take this as an opportunity to dive a bit deeper into everyone’s favorite pancake topping.

Why is NH Maple Month in March?

While us as people might not relish the fluctuating day-to-night temperatures this time of brings to NH, it’s the ideal circumstances for maple syrup production. In order for sap, a golden liquid that is used to create maple syrup, to flow from sugar maple trees, the days need to be warm and the nights need to be cool. These ideal sugaring conditions last around six weeks, but climate change has affected the timeframe and conditions needed for successfully sugaring.

What is NH Maple Month?

To celebrate the important contributions maple syrup and its stewards have on the regional economy, agriculture, and history, NH Maple Month is a time of local and statewide celebrations around the golden liquid. The New Hampshire Maple Producers Association has united maple producers across the state to “celebrate the craft of turning sap into something extraordinary” since 1943. They also have a member directory of maple sugar producers across NH who offer programming during March and during Maple Weekend, including The Rocks right down the road from the Co-op in Bethlehem.

What maple products can I find at the Littleton Food Co-op?

While our product line-up is always changing, we always love to support our local maple producers! We often have:

  • Grade A maple syrup (sizes from 3.4 fl oz – 64 fl oz)
  • Maple candies
  • Maple sugar
  • Maple spread
  • Maple-flavored beers
  • Maple popcorn
Mount Cabot Maple. Lancaster, NH
Ben's Sugar Shack. Temple, NH
Fuller's Sugar House. Lancaster, NH.
NH Made Maple Syrup. New Hampshire.
McClure's of New England. Littleton, NH.
Tucker Mountain Maple, Newbury, VT

Check out NH Maple Month Recipes

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: Back Roads Granola

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Producer: Back Roads Granola

Location: Brattleboro, VT

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Bulk granola

Website: backroadsgranola.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

Back Roads Granola started with an idea…that barely had anything to do with granola. Virginia and Peter Vogel opened a bed & breakfast in Vermont (down a “back road”), and then decided that their breakfast needed some homemade granola. Once guests had a taste of their creations, they let the Vogels know they had to sell their granola so more people could experience what was then a back road secret. Back Roads Granola became a dedicated kitchen space producing 1,000 lbs of granola a week within the first year. As the business expanded, they brought on more family members and employees until they reached 100% women ownership in 2024 from a transfer to daughters Coral and Liv. Based in Brattleboro, VT, they distribute crunchy granola made from ethically sourced ingredients, made by a close knit family team, made to be Organic, non-GMO, Glyphosate free. 

We’re glad that this yummy granola made it beyond Vermont’s back roads; the drive to get Back Roads Granola in the Littleton Co-op Bulk Department is far less treacherous! The Back Roads Granola story also exemplifies the changing landscape for women business owners who have the opportunity to grow and expand their family business and second-generation owners. 

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: Auspicious Brew

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Producer: Auspicious Brew

Location: Dover, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Hard kombucha

Website: auspiciousbrew.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

When Helen Leavitt wanted to open NH’s first brewery for kombucha, there was no shortage of odds against her. Not only was she faced with the people who didn’t even know what her product was, and the people who *did* know what kombucha was and were vehement opposers, she was diving headfirst into the male-dominated fermentation industry. Even though kombucha – a fermented tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) – has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, the idea of dedicating an entire space to its creation and enjoyment was still a disruption. But, for Helen, it was simply a continuation of her background in tending medicinal plants and mixology, and an opportunity to “[commune] with nature to create a living beverage.” Furthermore, Auspicious Brew has created a vibrant community space “where inclusivity is our driving force.” They even include visitors in the brewing process at their Dover, NH brewery, keeping the entire process out in the open (except when it needs a climate-controlled environment). 

The work of Helen and Auspicious Brew demonstrate that your beverage choice can deliver benefits beyond gut health – it can support small business owners, strengthen local economies, and uplift communities. Not to mention taste fabulous! 

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: Port City Pretzels

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Producer: Port City Pretzels

Location: Whitefield, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Hard pretzel snack bags

Website: portcitypretzels.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

Meet the people behind “The People’s Pretzel,” aka Port City Pretzels! Suzanne Foley founded Port City Pretzels out of Portsmouth, NH in 2015; but, the pretzels themselves go back much further. The Port City Pretzels you buy today at the Littleton Co-op are adaptations of Suzanne’s family’s recipes from over 30 years ago. Her mother-in-law, Eileen Foley, is actually the longest serving mayor in Portsmouth’s history, and the inspiration behind the recipe and business. She started her business to bring the feelings and taste of joy from her family’s recipes to the people. Today, that joy extends far beyond the product: the company is 100% woman-owned; they proudly represent the LGBTQ+ community; the majority of their employees are disabled (74% as of May 2025); and they consider themselves “radically inclusive.” While keeping the resilient spirit of NH within all of their work, Port City Pretzels are sold nationwide, and they were even named the Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year in 2020 by the Small Business Administration.

When you take a bite of Port City Pretzels, you can tell that Suzanne cares about her people *and* her product. We appreciate the hard work of her and her employees, and are so glad to have Port City Pretzels representing a woman-owned NH business at the Littleton Food Co-op.  

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.

Producer Spotlight: White Mountain Apiary

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Producer: White Mountain Apiary & Bee Farm

Location: Whitefield, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Honey, bee pollen, beeswax cleaning products, and other bee by-products

Website: whitemountainapiary.com

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” (President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week; a celebration that was soon expanded to National Women’s History Month). We’re taking the month of March to highlight and celebrate just some of the great women who have made an impact on our modern-day food system. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

“To bee or not to bee?” That was (sort of) the question lamenting Janice Mercieri and her husband Joe for years before they officially opened White Mountain Apiary & Bee Farm in 2011 in Whitefield, NH. The duo quickly got to work and immersed themselves in bees and education; Janice even received a Master Beekeeping Certificate from Cornell University. Fast forward to today and Janice is perhaps the North Country of NH’s most called upon apiary expert. Janice and White Mountain Apiary wholesale bee products, retail bee equipment, grow queens and colonies for other NH and VT beekeepers, and offer classes and lectures on beekeeping, bee preservation, and more across the region. She acts as President of the North Country Beekeepers Association and sits on the Executive Board of the New Hampshire Beekeepers Association. She was awarded New Hampshire Beekeeper of the Year in 2021 and Coos County Business Leader of the Year in 2023 in recognition of her contributions to both communities.

The story of White Mountain Apiary & Bee Farm is one that demonstrates the opportunities that can come from taking a risk and pursuing a dream. The Co-op is proud to support Janice and White Mountain Apiary’s pursuit by offering a retail outlet for their locally-made honey and other bee products.

Status of product availability at the Littleton Co-op, and labeling of producers (such as local, Black-Owned Business, NH-made, etc) and product status or ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, etc) is based on available information at time of publication. The food world is an ever-changing landscape and information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date information available.









Upcoming Events

 

Food as Medicine with ACHS and the Littleton Co-op

Food as Medicine with ACHS and the Littleton Co-op

This hands-on program is designed to help individuals, children & families discover how simple, affordable meals can support better health.
EARTH DAY @ The Co-op

EARTH DAY @ The Co-op

Stop by the Littleton Food Co-op on Wednesday, April 22nd from 11am-2pm for sustainability activities and giveaways to celebrate Earth …
Littleton Food Co-op Board Meeting

Littleton Food Co-op Board Meeting

Join us each month for our upcoming board meetings on Zoom or in person.

View more events here!

 

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