Littleton Food Cooperative | Littleton Food Coop

10 Great Valentines Day Gifts You Can Get at the Co-op!

February 13, 2020 By Littleton Food Co-op

Need a last minute gift for your Valentine? We’ve collected together some special ideas, all of which you can buy right here at the co-op!

1.) Pamper someone with lotions, bubbles, face masks, and jewelry.

2.) Pucker up and pick up a bottle of fruit-infused brew to share with your sweetie.

3.) Need something to go with that bottle of beer or wine? Check out our wonderful local cheeses.

4.) Bring home a beautiful bouquet of roses, or a colorful custom flower arrangement made by Deeper Roots.

5.) Create a romantic mood with candles – we have lots of pretty colors and heartwarming scents to choose from.

6.) Chocolate is always appreciated! Make it high quality and fair trade with a bar of Tony’s Chocoloney.

7.) Did you know that mead is the traditional drink for newly married couples? That’s where the word honeymoon comes from, so mead makes a very sweet gift.

8.) Show your love for your beau and for the planet with eco-friendly presents that reduce waste.

9.) Brighten their day with a pretty potted house plant. We have flowering plants as well as trendy foliage.

10.) Warm their heart with high quality coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. We have fair trade, locally roasted, and whole bean coffees as well as a huge range of lovely teas.

A Look Back at Eat Local Month 2019

August 22, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

The Littleton Food Co-op was bustling with activity this August in honor of Eat Local Month! Take a look back at some of our favorite, most local-est memories over the past month:

1. Biggest Little Farm Opening Gala

To kick off the month we partnered with Meadowstone Farm and the Bethlehem Colonial to bring the critically acclaimed feature film “The Biggest Little Farm” to Bethlehem. We believe that our local farmers are the true superstars, and what better way to honor them than giving them the celebrity treatment. Farmers and movie-goers were treated to a feast of hors devours from Meadowstone Farm and the Littleton Food Co-op prior to the movie. We even had “paparazzi” photographer Isidro Rodriguez from Urban Nature there to document the evening. At 7:30pm we all sat down to watch “The Biggest Little Farm,” a film that covered the highs and lows of rural agriculture with such honesty and picturesque cinematography that it was hard not to feel something for the farmers and animals alike. It was the perfect movie and the perfect event to begin our celebration of all things local.

2. Rooted in the Community

Also in early August we were joined by special guest Chad Proulx of ACHS for his conversation and discussion “Rooted in the Community.” Chad brought some new recipes as well as some summer classics to show how you can maximize your local (and healthy) eating. Participants walked away with valuable information, full stomachs, and swag bags! Thanks again to Chad and ACHS for another fun and informative workshop.

3. Local Community Lunch

There’s no better way to celebrate Eat Local Month than eating local! On August 13th community members came together at the Co-op to feast on delicious local foods at our free community lunch. The Co-op sourced ingredients from all across New Hampshire and Vermont, and it was all hands on deck to make sure everyone had a chance to eat local. Over 200 community members showed up for the chance to try the products of Meadowstone Farm, Wozz! Kitchen Creations, McKenzie’s Deli, Vermont Coffee Company, Gingue Farm, Vermont Bread Company, and more. We hope this event inspired people to continue eating local (it’s not just restricted to August)!

4. Produce Farm Tour

On August 14th, members of our produce department, operations team, and marketing department had the opportunity to tour four of our local farms to gain a deeper insight on where our produce department comes from. The group started just down the road at Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem. They got to peak into greenhouses and across fields with Tim, Sam, and Katie from Meadowstone, and even see some of the operations that stock our meat, cheese, and dairy departments. Next, they traveled to Four Corners Farm in Newbury, VT. Owner Kim Gray gave them a tour of their picturesque farmland from the back of her truck (which the team had a little too much fun with). From there, everyone traveled to Small Axe Farm in East Ryegate, VT. We saw every corner of this off the grid farmstead from owners Heidi and Evan (and farm dog Sally) themselves. Lastly, we ended the day at Joe’s Brook Farm with Mary and Eric. We chatted and toured the farm while picking their beautiful flowers and eyeing their abundance of produce that will one day end up back at the store. Thank you to all the farms for having us and giving us an inside peek at what local food looks like.

5. Eat Local Day

Saturdays are usually a busy day at the Co-op, but when you add a dozen local vendors AND a member appreciation day into the mix it makes for a big party! Local producers and members of the Co-op staff spent the day talking to shoppers about a number of diverse samplings. Customers (and their taste buds) learned more about White Mountain Apiary, Blue Moon Sorbet, Red Kite Caramels, Eddie’s Bakery, Kingdom Kombucha, Vermont Smoke & Cure and more! This was a great opportunity for customers to try local products and see how far and wide local spreads. Thank you to all the vendors and customers who stopped by to show support local food.

6. Partner of the Month Fair

Even though there are still four months left of 2019, we shifted our sights to 2020 at the end of August to pick our Partners of the Month for 2020. The decision process kicked off on the 20th with our annual partner of the month fair. Representatives from all twenty four organizations up for consideration came to talk with members and share why they think they deserve one of our nine open spots. Members were tasked with the difficult process of voting for their nine favorite organizations. Voting is open until August 27th – learn about voting here. Thank you to all the organizations for spending time with our members, and to our members for learning about our wonderful community partners.

7. Intuitive Eater Workshop

We ended the month by welcoming Kelsey McCullough, R.D, L.D to the cafe to present her workshop “Ditch Dieting and Reclaim Your Intuitive Eater.” Kelsey shared in an accessible and not intimidating way the dangers of diet trends, as well as tips and tools to overcome them. She covered what the media isn’t telling us! Thank you to Kelsey for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us and giving an introduction to intuitive eating.

Thank you to everyone who helped us successfully celebrate Eat Local Month here at the Co-op! Which August event was your favorite? Remember that eating local is a staple here all year long, so stop by anytime or visit our website to learn more about how you can continue eating local and contributing to our local economy.

6 Brands with A Fair Trade Story to Tell

July 29, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

If you’re looking to become a more conscientious consumer, specifically when it comes to fair trade products, you’re in luck: many of your favorite brands at the Co-op are already fair trade certified! What does this mean? Fair trade is when producers pay what is considered a “fair” price to the farmers they work with. This above and beyond amount, which is known as the “fair trade premium,” can then be used to improve the livelihood of the farmers–things like electricity, running water, and education suddenly become accessible. Fair Trade USA is one of the many organizations that certifies that a product can put a fair trade symbol on their packaging. Here are 6 brands sold at the Co-op with products certified by Fair Trade USA:

1. Annie’s

Read more about Annie’s mission to use sustainably sourced cocoa

2. Pacific Foods

Read how Pacific Foods is part of ethical supply chain

3. HiBall Energy

Watch and tag along with the founders of HiBall Energy on a trip to see where their fair trade sugar originates

4. Kashi

Learn more about how Kashi sources their cocoa responsibility

5. I Heart Keenwah

See what happened when the co-founder of I Heart Keenwah saw the effects of fair trade up close

6. Larabar

Read about Larabar’s trip that deepened their appreciation for fair trade practices

All of these brands use fair trade practices according to Fair Trade USA. To see the full list of products verified by Fair Trade USA, visit their website.

You Have Your Lobster, Now What?

July 6, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

For many of us, lobster is a summer delicacy whose dark exterior can’t be resisted during a sale like Lobsterpalooza. It’s Saturday evening and you have returned triumphant from the Co-op–and maybe taken a nap (or two) to recover from the early morning and the excitement you exuded at the store prior. But…now what? Here are ten lobster-based recipes with ingredients worthy of your bargain crustacean:

Even if you’ve never cooked a lobster, there are recipes floating around that you’ve probably at least heard of. Like the more-classic-than-classic Maine Lobster Roll. If you want to dine like our neighbors to the east, try this Maine Lobster Roll recipe. A heartier classic is Lobster Mac and Cheese, which combines multiple rich cheese flavors with the decadent taste of the lobster, like in this recipe. Another recipe commonly found on the seafood restaurant docket is Lobster Bisque. Now that you have the tools to make it at home you can add as much lobster as you want to each serving.

While the classics are great, if you’re going out of your cooking comfort zone by purchasing lobster in the first place, why not try something completely new? This first recipe wins the award for “most seasonal.” Fresh lobster is already a tried and true sign of summer. It’s like adding three exclamation points to the end of the word any time you use it in a sentence-even if it’s in the middle. But this Lobster Salad with Sweet Corn and Tomatoes is like sky-writing the word “summer” in all capital letters across the beach on a hot July day.

A way to bring lobster into the day time that’s not in roll-form is in this colorful Lobster Cobb Salad. If you want the pasta without the cheese this Lobster Pasta with Herbed Cream Sauce is a delicious alternative. Plus we won’t tell anyone if you throw some fresh parmesan on top. The most popular way to cook lobster is boiling or steaming it, but you can also grill it to get that summertime smoky aroma. On the other hand, you can heat up the oven for some savory Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails. Either way, you get to enjoy a delicious meal with the natural seafood flavors you love.

Now even though whole lobsters are the focal point of Lobsterpalooza, lobster in a recognizable form does not have to be the focal point of your dish. Take these Loaded Lobster Burgers, for example. They disguise themselves as regular patties, but one bite reveals their rich flavor that pairs so well with the homemade aioli and salsa (and more) that sit upon it. Last but not least, you can never go wrong with pizza. This Brown Butter Lobster and Spinach Pizza is a great way to introduce skeptical crowds to the power of lobster.

How will you be preparing your Lobsterpalooza lobster? Share with us on social media!

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What Does Your Favorite Hot Dog Topping Say About You?

July 3, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

Rather than relying on silly metrics like star sign or career, we only make inferences about people using hard, undeniable facts–like their hot dog condiment preferences. There is no better time to analyze someone than the Fourth of July, a time when Americans are estimated to eat 150 million hot dogs. Take a second to think of your go-to topping for your dog and get ready to learn something about yourself today.

No topping

You appreciate the simple things in life, like a walk in the woods, or humming your favorite melody. You’re not a materialistic person either, and friends love being able to see the “real you” all the time. This stems from your innate belief that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” which applies to most things in your life, including your hot dogs.

Ketchup

Overall, you’re a pretty simple person. But that isn’t a bad thing! You have a number of different interests, meaning you’re always down to go with the flow. Your coworkers would label you as “dependable” in a heartbeat, and friends turn to you when they need a comforting shoulder to lean on.

Mustard

You are slightly unpredictable–and we mean that in the best way possible. You have an unstoppable adventurous spirit; it’s a surprise that you’re in one spot long enough to even eat a hot dog. Everyone around you is always kept on their toes. Your boldness can sometimes get you into trouble, but those who know you best know you make up for it with the sweetness underneath.

Relish

There is no doubt that you are prepared for anything. The struggle people have when getting you involved is getting you to make a decision. You have a set of somewhat unconventional interests, but you’ve found a close group of friends that share the same passions. Together, you all can take on anything sweet or sour that comes your way.

Sauerkraut

Friends might call you a traditionalist, but you wouldn’t put that label on yourself. Sure you have an obsession with family history, and only vintage fashion, but everything you pull from the past is updated with a modern twist. You crave the city life, or at the very least the adrenaline and new people that come with it. Your friends love that you don’t take “no” for an answer.

Chili and Cheese

A heavily frequented word in your vocabulary is “YOLO.” Your life mantra is all about acting first and thinking later. If this scares people off, they are easily won over by your unwavering optimism. Since you are all about making your own decisions, you are not afraid to assert your authority when necessary.

Onions

People don’t know much about you, actually. Even if you’re not an introvert, you still appreciate your alone time. When you do make a public appearance, your flair for the dramatic tends to push you to the center of a crowd.

Hot peppers

At one point, your dream career was “daredevil.” The remnants of that dream can still be seen in the way you’re always looking for another thrill. Life gave you the entire seat but you prefer to sit on the edge. You can handle the heat that life throws at you and function well in high pressure environments.

Did we miss a topping? Let us know your favorite way to dress your dog! Happy Fourth, Cooperators!

Beverage of the Week: Lawson’s Maple Nipple Amber Ale

January 16, 2019 By Littleton Food Co-op

From the brewers of Sip of Sunshine comes a new limited release, Lawson’s Finest Liquids Maple Nipple Amber Ale (say that ten times fast!!).

This big and rich maple ale is loaded with Vermont’s finest maple syrup from start to finish. Smooth yet strong, with a 9% ABV – so watch out. This was one of the original homebrew recipes the Lawson’s founders made, before the brewery itself was even started. The syrup is sourced from a local maple farm in Huntington Vermont, which is then painstakingly boiled over wood fires for the perfect consistency and flavor, and then used to make this marvelous ale. Until now Maple Nipple was only served at personal homebrew parties, but it’s now available in very limited distribution in New England.

Maple Nipple is available for a limited time right here at the Littleton Food Co-op, so come down and get your maple on! 😁 🍁 🍻 You can also check out Lawson’s website to learn more about how it’s produced right here.

New Year, New You (for real this time)

January 7, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

Around now is the time when the phrase “new year, new me” becomes omnipresent, each person vowing that this year will be different than the year before and they will stick to their resolutions. Yet, here we are again, with a pile of past resolutions that have been gathering dust since Jan. 15th, 2017. That is where the Littleton Food Co-op comes in. Our vast store has a number of possibility for achievable resolutions. Plus, we’re open seven days a week with a friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you stay on track with the goals you set. Incase you’re still in your post-holiday food coma, here are a few resolutions you can consider for 2019:

1. Support the Local Economy

The best resolutions are the ones that don’t require you to change your habits. By shopping at the Littleton Food Co-op you are ensuring that your dollars stay in the local economy. It is easy to see how your money creates numerous jobs for community members. Behind the scenes, your money travels slightly outside the four walls of the store and into the pockets of local growers and producers. The buying power of the Co-op keeps some local businesses in operation and only serves to amplify the growth of others. In 2017 the Co-op purchased $1.8 million worth of products from local producers. Keeping our money local creates a cycle of positive development that uplifts all aspects of our community.

2. Go Green!

It is easy to go through your daily routine without thinking of how much plastic you are using. Only thinking about how much plastic you are using everyday can be overwhelming. There are a couple minor changes to your shopping habits at the Co-op that will reduce your plastic footprint. The first change is to use a reusable shopping bag to bring home your purchases. If your bags from home don’t find their way into the store, we have a wonderful selection of reusable bags available for sale. A second change is to shop in our Bulk department. You can bring your own reusable containers to the Bulk department to fill with whatever your heart desires. This reduces single use plastic from food packaging. Third, you can find a variety of products in store designed to help you on your journey to being plastic-free, such as bee’s wrap, bamboo utensils, and glass water bottles.

3. Learn to Juggle

The new year is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, and there is no better hobby than juggling. Lucky for you, we’ve removed the obvious biggest barrier to juggling–cost. Our citrus sale is the perfect time to stock up on all your necessary materials. They come in multiple flavors like lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, and miscellaneous citrus. And after you succeed, your materials are delicious to eat too.

4. Become More Involved in your Community

Your community should feel like more than just the place you picked your plot of land. An easy method to become a greater part of the community is through the Co-op. The simplest option is to become a member of the Co-op. Co-op membership gives you a democratic voice and a network of over 6,000 other community members in exchange for the few seconds it takes to fill out the application. As a member, you can attend Co-op Board Meetings and learn more about the governance of your co-op. Everyone likes to feel like a part of something greater than themselves, and the Co-op is a great way to do that.

5. Eat Healthier

We know, it’s a cliche one. But, we all know someone (maybe ourselves) who made this resolution last year but dropped it by the time the Valentine’s Day candy went on sale. One problem with this typical resolution is that it’s too vague. A modification to this resolution is to try a new eating lifestyle for a week or a month. You can be a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, heck even a pasta-tarian. Some people find that having a specific set of recommendations helps them make more conscientious choices. The Co-op offers healthy and delicious options to fit multiple types of eating lifestyles. For example, the Bulk department has a delicious organic and paleo granola for those following the Paleo diet (eating food similar to what was consumed back in the Paleolithic era).

6. Practice Self-Care

You live a stressful life; work, school, family, trying to finish your favorite show before your free trial expires. Every person deserves to indulge themselves in something that makes them feel good. It can be as simple as taking a nap, eating a treat, or trying a new relaxation technique. While we do not recommend using our store for a nap (the floors aren’t that comfortable), there are plenty of other forms of self care that can be initiated through the products in our store. For example, stop by the store after work to grab a pint of local ice cream and bottle of wine to unwind after work. Or grab some essential oils to create a peaceful environment. Just don’t mix the ice cream and the oils.

7. Get Out of the House More

This can be a very difficult resolution to keep, especially when it’s zero degrees outside and more than zero degrees in your bed. However, if you can get from your house to your car, and then your car to the Co-op, you will find a number of exciting events taking place in the cafe. The cafe hosts beverage samplings, educational events, food demonstrations, and local non-profit events (just to name a few). You can find your reason to get out of the house today on our Calendar of Events.

8. Get Out of Your Comfort (Food) Zone

Ever wondered what sweet pea smoothies tasted like? Or how spicy cayenne honey peanut butter feels in your mouth? Or what the heck is umeboshi paste? Look no further than your favorite local co-op! With over 9,000 items in store, there is no shortage of new adventures to take in 2019. Pair with tonight’s dinner or stick it with tomorrow’s lunch. If you need food inspiration, check out our weekly newsletter for a recipe of the week.

9. Be More Charitable

I bet that your house is currently littered with pamphlets from different nonprofits asking for donations in your household. We know you’re not actively against charitable giving when those letters end up in the recycling bin; it is an act that easily slips between the cracks in our minds. Luckily, donating to your favorite local nonprofits is no different than buying your food at the Co-op. Every person has the opportunity to round up their change after a purchase to send it to our nonprofit Partner of the Month. Then, on Friday nights you turn off your oven for charity and purchase a Co-op pizza for Partners and Pizza night. You may feel skeptical of this idea, thinking “It’s only a couple of pennies.” However, every customer’s “couple of pennies” contributed to a total of over $36,000 in 2018 to a dozen good causes. You can use your resolution to help us reach our goal of contributing even more in 2019.

10. Learn More About Your Local Co-op

We print more than just your receipt. Signing up for our weekly newsletter will keep you in the know about Co-op sales and events. Our blog recommends our favorite drinks, foods, and recipes. Our biannual Radish Newsletter gives you a glimpse of larger Co-op happenings and a look at where we’re going.

Did you set any similar resolutions already for 2019? Did you break any similar resolutions already for 2019? Whatever your goals may be, we hope they bring you a happy and healthy 2019. This year is your year!

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10 Great Valentines Day Gifts You Can Get at the Co-op!