Littleton Food Coop

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A Look Back at Eat Local Month 2019

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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. 

Zucchini-Based Recipes for our Favorite Holiday

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America’s favorite unknown holiday has fallen upon us. Did you know that more gifts are given today than any other major holiday? Okay, we made that up. But we didn’t make up today’s holiday (although we wish we could take credit for it). August 8th is National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. This gloriously green holiday was born out of the simultaneous realization that zucchini grows bountiful right around this time and there is only so much zucchini one can eat. Farmers and gardeners alike came to understand that the best way to rid of their excess fruits of labor was to slip across property lines in the dead of night and leave the desired amount of zucchini on the recipient’s porch. 

The problem with this method is not the delivery, because that’s flawless. The issue is that everyone focuses on the ceremonial act itself and not what happens afterwards, specifically on the recipient’s side. What are you supposed to do now that you have collected the ceremonial zucchini from steps outside your front door? 

Here are 5 creative ways to use zucchini this summer:

1. Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

For many, this recipe won’t come as a surprise or seem creative. Different circular vegetable imposters have been trying to invade the chip market for years. The great thing about this specific variety is the second main ingredient– the cheese. We won’t say that the cheese makes up for the fact that you have to eat a vegetable, but it might make it a little easier to ingest (or convince hesitant family members). For those who want to dive into the world of vegetable chips this is a great place to start.

 

2. Shaved Zucchini Salad

This recipe is like someone extracted all of the tastes you associate with summer from your mouth and put them in a dish– a summer salad dish nonetheless. This Shaved Zucchini Salad has notes of citrus, that fresh vegetable taste, and just enough pumpkin seeds to add an extra crunch and remind you that summer is ever fleeting. The addition of the macadamia nuts makes it a heartier salad without taking away from the citrus. 

 

3. Zucchini-Herb Fritters

Zucchini-Herb Fritters are another way to introduce vegetables into more foods without making it feel like a chore. This recipe can be thought of as the best of both worlds; you can still enjoy your potatoes while getting a serving of vegetables. In addition, the sauce strays away from a greek yogurt sauce to a garlic yogurt sauce. The only indecisiveness around this dish is whether to serve it as an appetizer or side dish. 

 

4. Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles (zucchini noodles) is another food trend that has been trying to make itself mainstream over the past few years. What might turn people away from this idea is that it’s tempting to leave the zucchini alone. However, zoodles cannot carry themselves like regular pasta. In this recipe, the zoodles are enhanced with a creamy avocado pesto sauce. The added tomatoes at the end give volume to the dish. 

5. Chocolate Zucchini Bread

We’ve all had zucchini bread, but how many of us can say they’ve had a chocolate version of the classic baking treat? If you’re looking for a way to sneak vegetables into the mouths of unsuspecting diners, this is the way to do it. You don’t even have to tell them there are vegetables in it (as long as you can come up with an alternative source of the tiny green flecks in the bread). This recipe also exchanges traditional oils for applesauce to up the healthy ante. 

 

We hope this gives you some ideas to do with your newly gifted zucchini. Or maybe you’ve been inspired to have a smaller holiday so you can keep more of your harvest for yourself and try the recipes for yourself. Either way, we hope you have a great National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day! 

Biggest Little Farm Film Premiere

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THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Reminder: If you have a ticket, be sure to bring it with you to the event, since seating is limited!

We’re kicking off Eat Local Month with a fabulous free movie and a celebration of local food and farmers!

We are pleased to present the premiere evening for Biggest Little Farm, one of the most popular and acclaimed independent films this year. Before the show we’ll have a fabulous red carpet reception, so dress up in your barnyard best – overalls, boots, bling, mud, and sequins! Meet local farmers and enjoy an array of summery hors d’ouvres sourced from Meadowstone Farm, along with a cash bar provided by the Colonial.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is Limited! Tickets will be available starting Friday July 12 at Littleton Food Co-op.  Stay tuned for details on specific movie times and reception details.

Synopsis

A testament to the immense complexity of nature, The Biggest Little Farm follows two dreamers and a dog on an odyssey to bring harmony to both their lives and the land. When the barking of their beloved dog Todd leads to an eviction notice from their tiny LA apartment, John and Molly Chester make a choice that takes them out of the city and onto 200 acres in the foothills of Ventura County, naively endeavoring to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind in complete coexistence with nature. The land they have chosen, however, is utterly depleted of nutrients and suffering from a brutal drought. The film chronicles eight years of daunting work and outsize idealism as they attempt to create the utopia they seek, planting 10,000 orchard trees and over 200 different crops, and bringing in animals of every kind– including an unforgettable pig named Emma and her best friend, Greasy the rooster. When the farm’s ecosystem finally begins to reawaken, so does the Chesters’ hope – but as their plan to create perfect harmony takes a series of wild turns, they realize that to survive they will have to reach a far greater understanding of the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself.

Click to Watch the Trailer:

Critical Reviews

This documentary may rid you of your fantasies of farm life, but it may also revive your wonder at the weird but ultimately awe-inspiring ways in which humans can help nature do its work. Glenn Kenny, The NYTimes

This powerful, deeply personal documentary is both a memoir and an exploration of the Chesters’ quest to make their dream of living on a fully sustainable farm come true. Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media

Special thanks to our Sponsors and participating farms for helping us with this event!

 

Beverages of the Week: Summer Beers from White Birch

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White Birch Brewery from Nashua, NH is one of the local beers that we have carried here at the Co-op since the very beginning. We were both founded in the Spring of 2009!
Lately White Birch has gotten into the summer spirit with 3 new beers that push the envelope. First up is a Pineapple Double IPA called Mahalo, which means thank you or grateful in Hawaiian. If you or a friend like pineapple and enjoy double IPA’s, this is definitely a must try – but be careful, this beer has a 9.2% ABV!
Other new items from White Birch include a couple of sours to add to our collection. Orange Creamsicle tastes like (you probably guessed) that ice cream favorite on a stick. For those looking for your antioxidants, White Birch Purple Monster would be the perfect choice. This sour has blueberry and pomegranate added. Who’s up for a purple beer?
Try these new offerings or your old White Birch favorites, now available at the Littleton Food Co-op.

June is National Dairy Month

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Start the summer off right by enjoying some calcium-rich foods in celebration of National Dairy Month this June. This honor was bestowed upon June back in 1937, and has been a running tradition ever since. If you’re fortunate enough to not be lactose intolerant, dairy products contain important dietary intakes including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. These key nutrients offer a plethora of health benefits, including helping to prevent heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and having healthier bones, skin, and teeth. Even if you are unable to enjoy dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, we can all appreciate the fact that the dairy industry is becoming more environmentally sustainable. Dairy farmers are now using 90% less land and 65% less water to give us the same high quality products. In addition, the dairy industry is responsible for nearly one million jobs in the U.S, including a number in our community. Check out the dairy coolers at the Co-op to find products from producers like Robie Farm, Hatchland Farm, and Brookford Farm to support your local dairy industry.

Sampling: Meadowstone Farm Meats

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Join our friends from Meadowstone Farm (just down the road!), who will be setting up a table in our store and offering samples of their farm-fresh meats and sausage.

Meadowstone Farm is a small, diverse farm located in Bethlehem, NH with a long history. They raise a variety of animals for cheese, eggs, and meat,  providing them with the space they need to forage and interact, while also offering them quality organic grain and nutritious hay. You can learn more about how their animals are raised on their website. These products are all available at the co-op, along with fresh veggies and other produce!

Workshop: How to Be a Co-op Vendor

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Attention all you wonderful makers, growers, and producers out there! As part of our mission to support local products and cultivate growth in our regional economy, we are partnering with WREN for an information-packed workshop outlining the guidelines and criteria for becoming a Co-op vendor. Whether you make soap, brew beer, forage in the woods, grow veggies, raise animals, create art, or bake cookies, everyone is welcome to attend and learn. Meet our buyers, get some entrepreneurial advice, and network with other locals!

This event is FREE; registration is not required but we appreciate an RSVP.

Mind Full of Cooking with Chef Alderin of the The Beal House

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Come join the culinary creativity happening with Chef Adam Alderin from The Beal House. In this workshop he will be demonstrating some of his special cooking skills and Beal House fare right here in our Co-op Cafe. Learn how easy it is to make homemade gnocchi! He’ll be talking about the versatility of these delicious Italian potato dumplings and demonstrating two different dishes with gnocchi for an easy, quick family meal that anyone can achieve right in their own home. We’ll also take a look at some his favorite local products – here’s your chance to glean some tips and new ingredients that will add delight and surprise to your next meal!

This workshop is free and walk-ins are welcome, but advanced RSVP is appreciated.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Adam Alderin has been a chef for over 15 years. Adam was a semi-finalist, nominated for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2008 when he opened Max Fish in Glastonbury, CT. His career includes executive chef roles with the Max Restaurant Group in CT, Jumpin’ Jays in Portsmouth, NH, and both The Mermaid Inn and Tremont in New York City. Most recently Adam was the Director of Operations with Lui Lui Restaurants here in NH.

Sampling: Meadowstone Farm Meats

By

Join our friends from Meadowstone Farm (just down the road!), who will be setting up a table in our store and offering samples of their farm-fresh meats and sausage.

Meadowstone Farm is a small, diverse farm located in Bethlehem, NH with a long history. They raise a variety of animals for cheese, eggs, and meat, providing them with the space they need to forage and interact, while also offering them quality organic grain and nutritious hay. You can learn more about how their animals are raised on their website. These products are all available at the co-op, along with fresh veggies and other produce!



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News & Updates

News & Updates

LittletonCoopLittleton Food Co-op@LittletonCoop·
February 25, 2021

The ☁ Floating ☁ Member Discount is back! Members save 10% on one shopping trip Fri 2/26 -Sun 2/28. Learn more: https://mailchi.mp/littletoncoop/210225

LittletonCoopLittleton Food Co-op@LittletonCoop·
February 18, 2021

Warning: Multiple Fish Puns Enclosed - https://mailchi.mp/littletoncoop/210211-5135989

LittletonCoopLittleton Food Co-op@LittletonCoop·
January 20, 2021

The Floating Member Discount is back Fri 1/22 - Sun 1/24! Members get 10% off eligible items during one shopping trip - you pick the day to save!

LittletonCoopLittleton Food Co-op@LittletonCoop·
January 9, 2021

Our Citrus Sale is happening now! Get a great deal on oranges and grapefruit by the case, through Thu 1/14/21.