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.
March is NH Maple Month
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
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.
Impress Your Guests with Four of the Coolest Spots Around
We love when family and visitors come to the North Country of New Hampshire! Sometimes, our area gets a bad rap when folks assume our distance from major metropolitan areas means there’s nothing to do. Not only is there plenty to do in the Littleton area, there are certified (by us) cool things to do. These are hidden gems that will help show your visitors the vibrancy that lays in our small town. These are great stops if you want to impress any tween/teen/young adults, but all can be family-friendly. And hey — what’s cooler than a grocery store owned by thousands of community members? Make sure to stop by the Littleton Co-op before you go exploring for some adventure fuel and some well wishes.
Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga is a unique retailer in downtown Littleton that’s perfect for those with eclectic style. They are officially dedicated to “the woods and the weird,” but everyone can appreciate their artfully designed store and POV in capturing the North Country’s beauty. Full of things you won’t find anywhere else!
Super Secret Ice Cream
Ice cream so nice it’s worth mentioning twice! While this booming Bethlehem shop also graces our “Cultural Classics” list, Super Secret Ice Cream also makes this list for it’s superior dessert quality and fun interior space. Owner Kristina Zontini is a twice James Beard Award nominee who’s dedicated to hand-packed ice cream with local ingredients and “no weird stuff.” The shop also provides a great place to recoup after the holidays in a warm, comforting environment decorate with bold colors and any ice cream-related decor you could imagine.
Little City Thrift Store
The holiday season is not typically the time of year we have extra cash to throw around on new clothes and wares. Lucky for Littleton, tucked behind classic Main Street is Little City Thrift Store. Don’t let the small square footage fool you; this shop is chock full of treasures and fun finds. It’s a great place to pop by for a minute or dedicate a couple of hours to for the thrill of the hunt.
The Loading Dock
The name doesn’t lie: this non-profit performing arts venue tucked behind Littleton’s Main Street is a converted loading dock. Except now, instead of receiving goods, visitors to the Loading Dock get to experience up-and-coming talent from near and far in an intimate yet professional venue. Tickets are always reasonably priced and guarantee a great night out.
Stress-Free Holiday Shopping from Your Local Co-op
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 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
Holiday Hotlines to Save you from your Kitchen Disaster
The holidays can be stressful and bring up new questions in the kitchen you didn’t know you have. There are pros out there that live for this time of year — and they offer great resources to help you achieve success, too. Click on each resource name to explore more.
Meat and Eggs
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
Call or email for information about the safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Jennie-O’s Turkey Hotline
Call number for turkey support from one of the most well-known turkey brands. Available 24/7 for the month of November.
Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
Call, text, or online live chat with an expert from Butterball turkey brand. Hours vary from Nov. 3rd through Dec. 24th.
Purdue Chicken How Tos
Online library of chicken food safety, prepping, cooking, and finishing articles and videos.
Sweets and Baking
King Arthur Baking Company Hotline
Call, email, or chat online with professional bakers about any baking challenge. Available year-round Monday through Friday 10AM – 6PM ET. Recorded food safety messages available 24 hours a day.
Ask Betty
Online catalog of hundreds of questions and answers from Betty Crocker. You can enter a question in the chat box to find a similar question that has been asked over the years, browse questions and answers by subject, or just browse them all!
Fleischmann’s Yeast Knead to Know
A web page that includes a unit converter, “yeast 101,” tips and tricks, and a list of common baking problems and solutions — for conventional ovens and bread machines!
Baking at Home
Collection of videos that demonstrate baking techniques you may not be familiar with, including tempering eggs, assembling a piping bag, and making a lattice pie crust.
More Resources
Land O Lakes Kitchen Reference
A web page with a list of ingredients and their substitutions, a kitchen glossary, measurements and abbreviations, and more.
Beaujolais: ‘Tis the Season!
Written by John Kroeger, all-around Littleton Co-op employee
Tis the season for our wine connoisseurs. It is the season for BEAUJOLAIS.
Les Beaujolais Nouveaux has an interesting story. Dating back to the 1800’s, it was the wine to celebrate the end of the harvest in France.
In the early 1900’s, the French authorities decided not to release the wine before December 15th; but that later changed to November 15th in the 1950’s. By 1985, thel ‘Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO)– the French organization that regulates French agricultural products with protected designations of origins– declared the release date as the third Thursday in November, to consumers globally.
Beaujolais was first exported to New York City, in 1972.
In the Beaujolais region in eastern France, the wine is made from 100% Gamay grapes. Gamay is a red grape, famous for its light and fruity body.
Domaine des Nugues Beaujolais is a 4th generation small family-owned winery managed by the husband and wife team of Gilles and Magali Gelin. They produce less than ten thousand cases per year of all their wines.
We, at the Coop are happy to carry Les Beaujolais Nouveau Wine during this Holiday Season. The 2025 Beaujolais Villages Nouveau will be at the Co-op on Friday, November 21st, and on sale through November 26th. Cheers!!
You Won’t Regret These Five Cheese Recommendations
by Travis Brenchi, Littleton Co-op Cheesemonger
Cheese season never really ends around here. But when the air turns crisp and cozy foods start calling, the Specialty Cheese Counter becomes a gravitational force. We find ourselves craving that perfect creamy wedge, the one that turns a simple snack into an event, and an event into an unforgettable moment.
Whether you’re restocking your cheese drawer or plotting your holiday party board, these are the cheeses you don’t want to leave behind. Consider stopping by and checking out these recommendations from near and far:
Fromager d’Affinois – France
Fromager d’Affinois, is a crowd-pleaser for good reason — it’s as if Brie took a spa day and came back silkier, richer, and even more irresistible. This double-cream beauty owes its impossibly smooth texture to ultra-filtration, a process that gently removes water from the milk before cheesemaking, concentrating the good stuff: butterfat, flavor, and all that luscious creaminess.
The result is a rind that gives just enough resistance before melting into a buttery interior that coats the palate like velvet. It’s elegant but never fussy, approachable yet refined — perfect for novices learning the language of cheese and experts looking for a familiar friend.
Try it on Effie’s Oatcakes or with a dollop of tart cherry jam (both found in the Specialty Foods Department) for a sweet-salty balance that’s pure poetry.
Withersbrook Blue – Jasper Hill Farm, Vermont
If you’ve ever hesitated at the sight of blue veining, this is the cheese that will win you over. Withersbrook Blue from Jasper Hill Farm is a small-batch Vermont marvel — creamy, balanced, and washed in Eden Ice Cider, which infuses it with delicate apple and floral notes.
The cider wash gives it a fruity lift that softens its tang and leaves a lingering sweetness on the finish. Think orchard air meets buttery, mineral-tinged richness. It’s the cheese equivalent of a wool sweater — cozy, layered, and distinctly New England.
Serve Withersbrook Blue with Firehook Sea Salt Crackers from our Specialty Foods shelves and a glass of Eden Ice Cider, and you’ll understand why locals are fiercely proud of what Jasper Hill does.
Barber’s 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar – England
For those who love cheddar but crave something deeper, Barber’s 1833 Vintage Reserve is a masterclass in balance. Made by the Barber family in Somerset — the world’s oldest cheddar-making family, by the way — this cheese is aged for two full years to develop a complex flavor that’s both savory and subtly sweet.
The texture is firm yet crumbly, with tiny, satisfying crystals that form during long aging. It’s sharp, mature, and full of character without veering into harshness. In other words, it’s a cheddar that knows exactly who it is.
Pair it with crisp apple slices or a spoonful of ale mustard, and you’ve got a snack that’s simple but sophisticated.
Oma – Von Trapp Family Farmstead, Vermont
From the hills of Waitsfield, VT comes Oma, a washed-rind wonder from the Von Trapp Family Farmstead (yes, those Von Trapps — and they really can make cheese sing). This semi-soft, alpine-style cheese bridges the gap between approachable and adventurous. Beneath its orange-hued rind, you’ll find a supple, buttery paste that gives off a gentle aroma — think toasted nuts, broth, and a hint of earthiness.
It’s a little funky on the outside, all warmth on the inside. Its savory depth pairs beautifully with our refrigerated olives found in the Specialty Foods Department.
For those who think they “don’t like stinky cheese,” Oma is the gentle introduction that changes minds.
Parmigiano Reggiano – Italy
No cheese board — or pasta night — is complete without the “King of Cheese.” Parmigiano Reggiano earns its crown honestly. Aged for a minimum of 24 months, it’s dense with tyrosine crystals (those delightful crunchy bits) and packed with umami depth. Break off a shard, and you’ll taste notes of toasted nuts, browned butter, and hay fields under the Italian sun.
It’s as versatile as it is delicious: shave it over risotto, crumble it onto roasted vegetables, or snack on it straight. And for the chefs among us — we also sell Parmigiano rinds at the cheese counter. Drop one into soup or stock and watch your kitchen transform. Waste not, flavor more
More Than Just Cheese
Of course, a great cheese deserves worthy companions. During our Flash Sale on November 19th, you’ll find 20% off all specialty cheeses and accompaniments in our Specialty Foods Department — that means Effie’s Biscuits, Firehook Crackers, and select artisanal jams, spreads, refrigerated olives and more are all part of the celebration. These are the good ones — the pairings that make your cheese board sing.
From buttery Fromager d’Affinois to bold Vermont blues and nutty Parmigiano, this is your moment to stock up, snack boldly, and maybe discover a new favorite wheel.
You Save, We Give with Field Day Products
All 300+ Field Day products are on sale at the Littleton Co-op from November 5th through December 2nd! Plus, every purchase is a donation to Native foodways.
November is a time when we all like to come together around the table with good food and good people. However, the stressors of inflation, potential program cuts, and cultural misgivings can make these holiday themes easier said than done. To help bridge the gap between quality healthy food and all Littleton area community members, the Littleton Co-op is proud to once again offer major sales on all Field Day products from November 5th through December 2nd.
Since we’re not a national chain, we don’t have a private label brand. What we do have is Field Day: a full line of pantry staples, paper goods, cleaners, and more that offer good quality at a great value. Field Day has many organic offerings, and most of their products are natural and non-GMO. From olive oil to garbanzo beans, paper towels to pretzels, and tuna to garlic powder — all 300+ items are on sale at the Littleton Co-op! This is a great time to stock up on everyday items or restock seasonal items like all-purpose flour and canned pumpkin.
In addition to the great savings for our shoppers, there’s another important part of this Field Day sale. For every Field Day item sold at Littleton Co-op, National Cooperative Grocers (NCG) will donate $0.05 to North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS). NATIFS (sounds like “Natives”) was founded by James Beard award winner The Sioux Chef, and is dedicated to addressing the economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways. The organization imagines a new North American food system that generates wealth and improves health in Native communities through food-related enterprises. NATIFS works to cultivate the seeds of Indigenous heritage, nourish our people, and honor the land that sustains us. Their vision is to rekindle and empower Indigenous food sovereignty through a thriving network of regional hubs that celebrate and elevate Indigenous culinary
traditions. With a deep commitment to healing, cultural reconnection, and economic empowerment, NATIFS envisions a future where every tribal community across the nation reclaims its food heritage, fosters sustainable local economies, and nurtures the overall wellbeing of its people.
So not only are you saving money through Field Day, you’re supporting a great cause, too!
New Hampshire’s Indigenous Past & Present
The Littleton Food Co-op operates on N’dakinna, which is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land and waterways and the alnobak (people) who have stewarded N’dakinna throughout the generations.
Find out where you’re standing here.
What plants are native to our area?
More plants are native to the Northeast, including Wood Sorrel, Shagbark Hickory, Seaweed, Beach Pea, Jerusalem Artichokes, and Sweet Fern.
Food Access
Intro | Show Up | Donate | Get Help
Let’s chat about food access in Littleton and the North Country and how you can show up.
At Littleton Food Co-op, we understand that many of our shoppers and community members are affected by the federal government funding pause, which has led to a lack of funding for SNAP benefits and other assistance programs. For those who rely on these programs to access groceries, even a short disruption can mean difficult choices about food, bills, and other essentials.
This affects not only our shoppers but also our staff. Food insecurity is a shared reality across our communities—and some of the people who make the Littleton Co-op run every day are also navigating the same challenges. We can show care through our actions toward each other by being understanding, patient, and connected. A little patience and kindness can go a long way.
Here’s the Plan: Show Up
Here are ways that you can show up for yourself and your community:
Donate money, food, and time, if you are able;
Utilize food access resources and programs if you need them;
Share this information to educate others in our area.
Donate: Help Your Neighbors in Need
Support our Healthy Food Access Program
Donate online! The Littleton Co-op Healthy Food Access Program (HFA) is a store-funded discount program that makes healthy food more accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income. Littleton Food Co-op members who are currently recipients of SNAP, SSI, or other supplemental assistance are eligible to apply for this program; approved members receive 10% off all eligible purchases every day. Need help affording groceries? Learn more about HFA and get an application here.
Our November Partners of the Month: Local Food Pantries
Round up at the register! As we have done for many years, the Littleton Co-op’s Partner of the Month for November is the area food pantries. 100% of small change round-ups and donations at the Co-op will go directly to these food pantries.
Food Drive
Donate food! During the federal funding pause, we will be increasing our food collection efforts, and we invite you to join us. Please consider bringing unopened, unexpired, non-perishable goods to our collection bin in the Co-op exit foyer, or buying a few extra things when you shop. These donations will go to local pantries along with our other food donations.
Feed A Family Fundraiser
Buy a box of food for a neighbor in need! Now in its fourth year, the Co-op is raising funds to distribute Thanksgiving meal boxes to local food pantries. Shoppers can purchase $10 coupons at any register; each coupon pays for a box of Thanksgiving sides for one family. Our goal is 700 boxes by Nov. 15th.
Utilize: Food Access Resources for Everyone
Healthy Food Access Program
Need help affording groceries? The Littleton Co-op Healthy Food Access Program (HFA) is a store-funded discount program that makes healthy food more accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income. Littleton Food Co-op members who are currently recipients of SNAP, SSI, or other supplemental assistance are eligible to apply for this program; approved members receive 10% off all eligible purchases every day. Learn more about HFA and get an application here.
Food Pantries
Need a helping hand? Below is a list of food pantries, support services, and community dinners that are helping in our community.
All Saints Food Cupboard
35 School St., Littleton
Tuesdays, Thursdays – 9 am – 10 am
Sundays – 9 am – 9:45 am
Food cupboard best accessed from Littleton Community Center parking lot at 120 Main St., Littleton
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
Open Mondays – 4:30 – 6:30 pm; Tuesdays & Wednesdays – 10 am – 1 pm;
Saturdays – 10 – 11 am
In case of food emergency, please contact 954-604-9462
Littleton Area Mutual Aid
16 Pleasant St, Littleton, NH
Free store Sundays 2 pm- 3 pm
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
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
White Horse Recovery
669 Union St, Littleton, NH 03561
Open Monday – Friday – 9 am – 5 pm
In case of food emergency, please contact 603-444-1300
White Mountain Community College – Student food pantry
646 Union St # 300, Littleton, NH 03561 and
2020 Riverside Dr, Berlin, NH 03570
Whitefield Christian Church Free 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 270-252-6106
Please Share!
The best thing you can do is show up for yourself and for your community! We hope that people find the information on this page useful, whether they want to find a way to help or are looking for resources. Please feel free to grab the link to this page and share it on social media, or wherever you think it might be helpful.
www.littletoncoop.com/showup
And remember – be kind. Life can be tough right now. Let’s cooperate to make it a little easier for everyone.
Littleton Food Co-op Welcomes Learner Limbach As Their New General Manager
After more than sixteen years of incredible growth and cooperative success, the Co-op’s current General Manager, Ed King, plans on retiring at the end of this year. Shortly after he announced his departure, the Co-op’s Board of Directors formed a committee to begin the process of hiring a new leader for the Cooperative. They enlisted the help of an executive recruiter and an HR professional consultant, and over the past few months have vetted and interviewed many highly qualified candidates from all over the country.
After much deliberation, the Littleton Food Co-op Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that they have selected Learner Limbach to be the Co-op’s new General Manager. Learner Limbach offers over 12 years of experience in cooperative management. He is a fourth-generation cooperative leader and an accomplished expert in cooperative development, sustainable food systems, and community-based economic transformation.
As Co-Founder and Chief Cooperative Officer of Orcas Food Co-op in Eastsound, WA, Learner spearheaded the successful launch of the consumer-owned grocery store in 2014. Under his leadership, the co-op has grown into a $5.7 million business with more than 50% of Orcas Island residents as members. Learner was able to open a thriving second location for Orcas Food Co-op and has built a cooperative wholesale division—Provisions Co-op Wholesale—projected to reach $1 million in sales by the end of 2025.
Learner’s expertise extends beyond operations into strategic governance, organizational culture, and policy advocacy. He has played a significant role in shaping food policy and systems development at the county, regional, and national levels and looks to continue this work as the next General Manager of the Co-op.
During the interview process, Learner shared a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm about leading the Co-op forward: “I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. It’s clear that the Littleton Co-op has been stewarded well over the years and is poised for continued success. Everyone I have met has been great and very welcoming. I look forward to helping lead the Co-op into the next chapter, as well as learning more about the area and connecting with the Littleton community.” He has also said that he sees many similarities between Littleton Co-op and Orcas Food Co-op; he’s very interested in small-town life and in integrating himself into the Littleton community, and would also welcome the opportunity to be an active member of the regional cooperative work already underway in New England.
Deborah Rossetti-Sullivan, President of Littleton Co-op’s Board of Directors and head of the General Manager search committee, stated, “Learner is a hardworking visionary and a passionate, engaged, and well-respected leader in the cooperative world. He will bring years of knowledge, success, and dedication to our Co-op’s future.”
About The Littleton Food Cooperative
The Littleton Co-op is a member-owned grocery store featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, deli, bulk foods, craft beer, wine, and a quality grocery selection. The Co-op strives to serve the North Country of New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont by offering a broad range of high-quality food products at fair prices, accompanied by outstanding service.
The Co-op exists to serve its members. While membership is not required to shop at our store, our member-owners help govern the Co-op by electing our Board of Directors each year. Our Members also help us maintain the Co-op’s mission of supporting local growers and producers, promoting healthy choices, and advocating for environmental sustainability.
Littleton Co-op’s Mission is to provide a community-owned marketplace that supports local and promotes healthy choices for people and planet. The Co-op’s Vision is to be a catalyst for cultivating a vibrant community and regional economy.
Further press and media inquiries: please direct to ma*******@***********op.org.
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