NH Eats Local | Littleton Food Co-op

Producer Spotlight: von Trapp Farmstead

August 13, 2026 By littlecoop

Producer: von Trapp Farmstead

Location: Waitsfield, VT

Found at the Littleton Co-op: specialty cheeses

Website: vontrappfarmstead.com

Perhaps the first thing you think of when you hear the name von Trapp isn’t cheese, but maybe it should be. Or, at least be the second thing. Werner and Erika von Trapp started von Trapp Family Farm in Vermont in 1959 after immigrating from Austria. Von Trapp Farmstead is now run by Werner and Erika’s grandson, Sebastian, with other von Trapps running other businesses in the area. Growing up, Sebastian didn’t want a future on the farm; but, after a tenure in software, he found himself called back home. Werner and Erika farmed in a way we would now consider regenerative agriculture – no-till soil management, crop rotations, no chemical fertilizers, etc. – and the same practices have been continued to this day. In addition to creating a quality cheese product, Sebastian emphasizes that their regenerative agriculture practices primarily stem from a love of the land. He says “When you love something you want to tend to it. You don’t make it unsafe, you don’t poison it, you don’t turn a blind eye, or walk away when a challenge arises. Our connection to the land, the cows, the milk, the cheese and the people, make it impossible to exploit any part of the system. Since we live here on this land and we rely on these beautiful animals for our livelihood and the livelihood of our team, since we are nourished by the milk, cheese, yogurt, and meats… for these reasons, taking care of all the parts of the farm is non-negotiable.” Now, von Trapp produces four cheese styles – all of which have won numerous national and international cheese awards.

Similar to the lasting legacy of the von Trapp family, the family pushes for Vermont’s cheesemaking industry to continue by hosting a yearly apprentice on site to learn about cheese making and food systems through the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund.

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: Bonilla Bread

August 6, 2026 By Annie Stuart

Producer: High Points Bakery – Bonilla Bread

Location: Bethlehem, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: quick breads, dessert breads, sourdough bread

Website: bonillabread.com

For one local bakery, the keys to success were: bananas, Bethlehem, and Bonillas. Casey Bonilla grew up with a passion for baking learned from days spent in the kitchen with her grandmother. As an adult, she never saw baking as anything more than a small seasonal venture. However, after she baked a batch of banana bread for a school fundraiser, the Bethlehem, NH community demanded year-round prolific access to her products. She started Bonilla Bread with classic dessert breads, but has since expanded to include quick breads, sourdough loaves, and baked goods to markets, stores, and restaurants across the North Country. With the expansion came more room for Casey’s family of seven to get involved! As she joked to the Littleton Chamber of Commerce, “[My daughter] just bought me a binder and gave me the assignment to organize all of my scraps of paper covered with recipes and notes. I’m supposed to have it all ready before she comes home for the summer.”

The Bonilla family is currently constructing their own “Little Bread Barn” in Bethlehem to have a dedicated space to fulfill the orders of their growing customer base. In the distant future, Casey dreams of a commercial bakery that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Producer Spotlight: Popzup Popcorn

July 30, 2026 By Annie Stuart

Producer: Popzup Popcorn

Location: Somersworth, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: ready-to-eat popcorn

Website: popzup.com

What’s more to popcorn than corn kernels? If you do it like Popzup, there’s a lot more thought behind it, without adding unnecessary ingredients. Wife and husband duo Julie and Marty Lapham were no strangers to entrepreneurship or the packaged food business when they founded Popzup in 2016. But after their children were grown and they had fallen into long-tenured careers, the duo decided it was time to start their next food business. They noticed that the popcorn on the market, often thought of as a simple snack, was filled with unnecessary oils and chemicals, and left a wasteful carbon footprint. Their mission was to create a popcorn that was antithetical to what was out there – not to mention tasted good. As Julie told Foster’s Daily Democrat, “As a popcorn company we consider ourselves accountable for everything we do, for our carbon footprint, our packaging (recyclable) and of course our products which are made using only fresh ingredients.” Popzup quickly grew from selling compostable microwave popcorn boxes at farmers markets to selling seasoning mixes and ready-to-eat bags with said seasonings at over 2,000 retailers nationwide.

From their experiences working in the local food system (Julie used to manage multiple NH farmers’ markets!) the Laphams knew the importance of uplifting other local producers on your way up. Popzup continues to be made from locally grown corn, and seasoned with local butter, maple syrup, and cheese.

Producer Spotlight: Meadowstone Farm

July 30, 2026 By Annie Stuart

Producer: Meadowstone Farm

Location: Bethlehem, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Produce, meat, and eggs

Website: meadowstonenh.com

It’s more than Meadowstone Farm’s proximity to the Littleton Co-op that sets it apart; although, the mere 2.1 mile drive makes it our “most local” farm. The first farming on the land known as Meadowstone Farm was dairy farming in the mid-1800’s through the 1970’s. The modern iteration of the land began in 2003 when it was purchased by current owners Tim Weinrich and Jess Griffiths. Teachers by trade, they transitioned to farm owners; however, they integrated their “past lives” by opening a private school, Woodland School, on the farm property. Tim’s original vision for the farm was to focus on compost, so as to have the widest impact on the local food system. In the early 2000s there were fewer major outlets for local farm-fresh food, and the community convinced Tim of the need to offer the North Country good food. On the same ethos of his original compost vision, Meadowstone continues offering seeds, plants, compost, training, home garden support, donations, and more to foster increased regional food independence. In Tim’s words, “It would be wonderful if Meadowstone Farm worked itself out of its current business because all of its customers produced what they needed.”

Meadowstone Farm was previously certified organic, but dropped its organic certificate in 2008. However, the change had nothing to do with a shift in the farm’s own standards and practices. Meadowstone opted out organic certification as a statement against, as they see it, a dilution of the organic standards by “big business agriculture,” and a focus on only eliminating certain ingredients, rather than a focus on making positive improvements. They continue to uphold their own “Beyond Organic” standards and prefer to be accountable to the community and their customers, rather than a certifying agency. Read more about the story behind “Beyond Organic” here.

March is NH Maple Month

March 5, 2026 By Anastasia Maher

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

McClure's of New England. Littleton, NH.

Check out NH Maple Month Recipes

Producer Spotlight: Auspicious Brew

March 3, 2026 By Annie Stuart

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!

Stress-Free Holiday Shopping from Your Local Co-op

December 8, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

The 2025 Littleton Co-op Gift Guide is here!

Yes, we sell more than food! But also yes, food makes a great holiday gift! Gifting from the Co-op might require going outside of your comfort zone (and your regular grocery list), so we put together some easily giftable ideas that are bound to fit someone on your list. The best part may be that they’re all available at the Littleton Co-op 🎄 One stop local shop!

Gifts for the Sustainable Queen or King graphic. Text list below.

Gifts for the Host with the Most

1. Wozz! Kitchen Creations spread 2. Fuller’s Sugarhouse maple cream 3. Vermont Bakery Douglas Sweets cookies 4. Terra Farm curry cashews 5. Woodstock Inn Brewery root beer

Gifts for the Sustainable Queen or King

1. Klean Kanteen water bottle 2. Humble Plastic Free deodorant stick 3. Ingredients Matter laundry soap 4. Bees Wrap food wraps 5. Eco Bags reusable produce or bulk bags

Gifts for the Trend-Reporter

1. Mike’s Hot Honey squeeze bottle 2. Fishwide tinned fish 3. Terra pom pom keychain 4. Leonessa Dubai chocolate cones 5. Jade Leaf Ceremonial grade matcha

Gifts for the Coffee Worshiper

1. Jenna’s Promise Roasting Co. coffee 2. Effie’s Biscuits 3. Nut Pods creamer 4. Chocolate covered espresso coffee beans 5. Brach’s peppermint stir sticks

Gifts for the NH at Heart

1. White Mountain Images calendar 2. White Mountain Apiary holiday honey 3. Mount Cabot Maple Organic maple syrup 4. Polly’s Pancake Parlor pancake mix 5. Port City Pretzels savory pretzels

Gifts for the “Ramen Every Meal”

1. Mr. Bing chili crisp 2. Ocean’s Halo Ramen Broth 3. Immi Veggie Topping Mix 4. Ocean’s Balance Organic whole leaf dulse 5. Momofuku noodles

Gifts for the Thrill-Seeker

1. Angry Goat Pepper Co. hot sauce 2. Gopal’s energy bars 3. Chunks of Energy Bulk snacks 4. Hurry Slow Hat Co. beanie 5. Vermont Smoke & Cure meat sticks

Gifts for the Thrill-Seeker

1. Back Home Bakery granola 2. King Arthur Baking Co. mix kit 3. Lake Champlain Chocolates nonpareils 4. Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind maple sriracha 5. NEK Grains wheat berries

Reflecting on Lost Nation Orchard

October 30, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

written by Kevin Winters, Littleton Co-op Manager on Duty

Food for Thought is a new online space by the Littleton Food Co-op for Co-op staff, members, and partners to publish musings & reflections on what they care about.

Did you know the world’s most influential organic apple orchard is right here in the North Country? Lost Nation Orchard is about 25 miles north of the Co-op in the Lost Nation section of the town of Northumberland, NH. Home to Nancy, Gracie, and the late Michael Phillips, this small, local, family run holistic orchard produces the most delicious apples you will ever taste. To quote Dave Chapman, co-director of the Real Organic Project, and founder of the Vermont Organic Farmers organization, “Michael Phillips was the patron saint of organic orcharding.” Michael started Lost Nation Orchard almost 40 years ago at a time when everyone said it was impossible to grow apples organically. In fact, many people still say it is impossible to grow organic apples if you’re in New England. Michael has clearly proven all the naysayers wrong. Over the decades he became the most influential organic apple grower in the world. He grew over 120 different varieties of apples, both ancient heirlooms, and brand new experimental varieties. He wrote three seminal books on organic apple growing, which are widely considered to be classics, and a must read for any organic orchardist. He traveled far and wide lecturing, consulting, and giving workshops on how to grow organic apples. Also, Michael was the founder of the Holistic Orchard Network which has over 2,500 members from at least 7 countries. Countless prospective and experienced apple growers made the pilgrimage to his orchard to attend his workshops and learn from the master. Just bite into one of his apples, and experience an intense wave of complex, juicy flavors, which will radically alter your perception of what an apple can be.

Michael was also a wonderful human being. He was larger than life, and yet kind and gentle, with a down to earth, easy going personality, which made you feel right at home. Despite almost always being the most knowledgeable person in the room Michael was the best listener I’ve ever met. He would sit quietly listening, observing, and learning from those who had come to learn from him. An inquisitive mind of the highest order. I was blessed to know Michael for a dozen years or so, and have incredibly fond memories of visiting the orchard as many times as I could during apple season. For a food lover like myself there was nothing better than spending time with Michael in his apple barn as he excitedly danced about endless baskets filled with a kaleidoscopic variety of apples saying, “You absolutely must try this one, it’s an experimental variety developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1990’s , it has explosive flavors of citrus and PINEAPPLE. Yes, Pineapple!! And then there is this one here, and oh don’t miss out on this one, and make sure you try this old timey New England variety that has notes of bourbon, vanilla, and burnt sugar.” And on, and on it would go. What a blessing it was experiencing a true master of his craft spreading the joy created by the fruits of his labor.

And Michael was a family man. He met the love of his life, Nancy, when they both worked for a group foster home for abused and neglected children. The goal of the program was to offer the children natural foods, lots of time in nature, and a stable environment. They walked through this green world together for 37 remarkable years. Their daughter Gracie was the apple of his eye, and whenever he mentioned her, which was often, a visible twinkle could be seen radiating from his eyes. Like so many immensely talented people it seemed The Creator had important work for Michael in the Great Mystery that lies ahead of us all. He was called to that work in late February of 2022. Luckily for all of us, Gracie has decided to move back home and take over management of the orchard, thus continuing her father’s immensely important legacy. Gracie and Nancy are working extremely hard to continue this truly unique North Country family farm, and for the first time ever, Lost Nation Apples are available at the Littleton Food Co-op during apple season!!

And a word about spots. You’ll notice some spots on these apples, which is totally normal as all apples grown organically in New England, or any other temperate climate, will have spots. Most organic apples you see are grown in the dry, continental climate of eastern Washington state where it almost never rains. These spots have no flavor and do not affect the quality of the fruit at all. The only way to eliminate them in New England is to use chemical sprays. As Joni Mitchell famously sang, “Hey farmer farmer, Put away that DDT now, Give me spots on my apples, But leave me the birds and the bees, Please!”

We only become wise when we recognize that we need to emulate nature in our agricultural systems and in how we care for this planet.” – Michael Phillips

The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Littleton Food Co-op.

Eat Local Month Producer Highlights 2025

August 27, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

To celebrate Eat Local Month in August 2025, we dismantled the idea that eating local is “too difficult” or “outside the normal way” by putting together suggested everyday occasions over 20 local items. We hope one of these gives you a starting point to try eating local all year long, or serves as inspiration to create your own everyday occasion to support local growers and producers.

Local Sweet Treat

Listen: We know you’re going to pick up a sweet treat from the Co-op anyways. Why not make it a LOCAL sweet treat? We have plenty of locally produced options to fill that sweet tooth fix throughout the store. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly creamy ice cream for after dinner, a lil’ chocolate to sneak between meetings, or the socially acceptable may to drink maple syrup in public (hint: it’s maple candy!), we have a local option. And remember, this is just a sneak peak into some of the local sweet treats we have! There’s plenty more waiting for you in store.

Local Date Night

Whether it’s a night in with friends or a special romantic evening at home, everything can be improved with a charcuterie board made with local ingredients. We just got restocked with Roberta’s Crooked Mile goat cheese, so make sure a sweet or savory pick of her selection is included! If you want a decadent dinner, consider a delightful dairy-free option from Shire’s Naturals (NH’s first plant-based cheese company) or a spiced up entree with the help of Wozz! Kitchen Creations. And forget ending the night with chocolate! Local food lovers know that organic strawberries are the way to anyone’s heart. Hermit Woods wine will wash it all down. Of course, these are only some of the great local date night options we have at the Littleton Co-op.

Local Breakfast in Bed

Local breakfast in bed: the dream! You can certainly take any of these local ingredients to a normal, everyday breakfast routine, but since we’re dreaming here, we’re going all out and living in lavish local luxury — without even leaving the bed. That means fluffy pancakes from Polly’s Pancake Parlor mix smothered in Mount Cabot Maple single-source Grade A syrup. Mount Cabot Maple cream (aka maple GOLD) if it’s an extra special occasion. Don’t worry, we’re not going to get sick on sweets; it’s all going to be balanced out with a couple of crispy, thick-cut strips of North Country Smokehouse bacon. Drooling yet? And of course, it’s all getting washed down with locally-roasted coffee. This morning, we’re reaching for Jenna’s Promise Roasting Co.’s Local Blend. And now you’ve just eaten breakfast and given back at the same time! Proceeds from this VT coffee company go directly to supporting the work of Jenna’s Promise, which focuses on building healthy and safe communities by reducing the burden of substance use disorder in the region. Not to mention it’s a great cup of ‘joe Not a coffee fan? Pour yourself a tall glass of Hatchland Farm milk and support one of the few remaining independent dairy farms in the area. And you know it’s good, because the Hatch family lives by the motto: “If we wouldn’t eat it ourselves, we won’t sell it to you.”

Local Packed Lunch

Since we make such a big deal out of celebrating locally produced food, you might think it’s for special occasions only. This guide especially is meant to demonstrate how you can incorporate local food into your everyday routines — like for lunchtime! A lunchbox packed with Vermont Smoke & Cure meat sticks, Port City Pretzels, Cabot Creamery cracker cuts, and a hearty sandwich on Klinger’s sourdough is definitely better than cafeteria food and your soggy leftovers in the office fridge (no shade). And we love having a local company like Bee’s Wrap focused on sustainable plastic-free packaging to perfectly compliment any local goodie.

Local Weekend Kickback

BBQs are a common weekend celebration, and we suggest firing up some Robie Farm local beef burgers and serving with a side of grilled veggies, like peppers and eggplant from 4 Corners Farm. If family and friends can’t make it for a gathering, at least take a moment to do a cheers to a great summer — a can of Wildbloom and new Woodstock lemonade for the non-drinkers would be our suggestions. If all else fails, chillin’ on the couch with some Wrap City chips (2 bags per person should be enough?) is a completely valid option. What’s everyone’s summer weekend plans shaping up to be? Consider closing out the week with one of these great local products!

Food Access Resources in the North Country

February 10, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

We know first hand the power of good, nutritious food to transform lives. But, we also know that many folks in our local communities struggle to put food on the table. Local food pantries and food access organizations work tirelessly to fill the gap left by food insecurity, and we are honored to have worked with the following organizations in the past. This list is not maintained or updated to reflect spur of the moment changes — please reach out to individual organizations for up to date hours and locations.

The capability of food access organizations has increased dramatically over the years! Many of the organizations below offer fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items, and personal care products. Organizations also have varying participant requirements (ex: federal program qualifications, residency, etc) — but some have none at all! Please contact organizations directly to find out more about offerings and requirements.

Whitefield Food Pantry

3 School Street, Whitefield (at Whitefield Christian Church)

Open: Thursdays @ 3:30 – 5:00 pm

In case of a food emergency, please contact 603-837-8849 or 270-252-6160

Good Neighbor Food Pantry

44 Church Street Franconia

Open: Tuesdays @ 11 am – 12 pm

In case of a food emergency, please contact 603-991-6017

Bethlehem Food Pantry

2155 Main St., Bethlehem (In Town Hall)

Open: Mondays & Thursdays @ 2 – 3 pm; Tuesdays – 10 am – 12 pm

In case of food emergency, please contact 603-869-3351, ext. 103

Bethlehem Little Free Pantry

2155 Main St., Bethlehem (Behind Town Hall)

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Please park in the Town office lot, or the parking lot for the swimming pool

All Saints Food Cupboard

35 School St., LIttleton (best accessed from Littleton Community Center parking lot at 120 Main St)

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays – 9 am – 10 am

In case of food emergency, please contact – 603-444-3414

Little Free Pantry

189 Main St., Littleton

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Littleton Food Pantry

70 Redington St., Littleton

Mondays 4:30-6:30pm; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am-1pm; Saturdays 10-11am

In case of food emergency, please contact 954-604-9462

LAMA (Littleton Area Mutual Aid)

16 Pleasant St., Littleton, NH

Free Store open Sundays 2-3pm

@LittletonAreaMutualAid

Producer: von Trapp Farmstead

Location: Waitsfield, VT

Found at the Littleton Co-op: specialty cheeses

Website: vontrappfarmstead.com

Producer: High Points Bakery – Bonilla Bread

Location: Bethlehem, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: quick breads, dessert breads, sourdough bread

Website: bonillabread.com

Producer: Popzup Popcorn

Location: Somersworth, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: ready-to-eat popcorn

Website: popzup.com

Producer: Meadowstone Farm

Location: Bethlehem, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Produce, meat, and eggs

Website: meadowstonenh.com

Why is NH Maple Month in March?

What is NH Maple Month?

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

Producer: Auspicious Brew

Location: Dover, NH

Found at the Littleton Co-op: Hard kombucha

Website: auspiciousbrew.com

The 2025 Littleton Co-op Gift Guide is here!

Gifts for the Host with the Most

Gifts for the Sustainable Queen or King

Gifts for the Trend-Reporter

Gifts for the Coffee Worshiper

Gifts for the NH at Heart

Gifts for the “Ramen Every Meal”

Gifts for the Thrill-Seeker

Gifts for the Thrill-Seeker

written by Kevin Winters, Littleton Co-op Manager on Duty

Food for Thought is a new online space by the Littleton Food Co-op for Co-op staff, members, and partners to publish musings & reflections on what they care about.

Local Sweet Treat

Local Date Night

Local Breakfast in Bed

Local Packed Lunch

Local Weekend Kickback

Whitefield Food Pantry

Good Neighbor Food Pantry

Bethlehem Food Pantry

Bethlehem Little Free Pantry

All Saints Food Cupboard

Little Free Pantry

Littleton Food Pantry

LAMA (Littleton Area Mutual Aid)

View more events here!

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