Actually Easy Back-to-School Recipes

August 16, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Hi there! Former latchkey kid Anastasia here. I want to talk about after-school snacks and the beef I have with 98% of information out there on the Internet. I think there is a major misunderstanding about what it’s like to be a kid after school or a working-class parent from the bloggers and listicle professionals out there putting together these “Best After-School Snack Recipes.” The first misconception is that you, the adult, have oodles of time to prepare these snacks ahead of time or do all the prep work. I think we all know that’s a “wildest dream/best case scenario.” But, the other misconception these writers have is that school age children also have prep time. In my household, the time between school getting out and after-school activities beginning was nicknamed “Tornado Time.” Most days, I had less than half an hour to get home, catch a break, change, eat a snack, do any necessary household responsibilities, and dash out to my next activity. No offense, I didn’t want to use my precious time marinating tofu and waiting for the oven to preheat to 400 degrees. Also, I’m 12; I don’t think there was room in my brain for what tofu is, if I like it, and oven safety. I had to leave room in my brain for the important things: boys, lip gloss, and getting to dance class on time. And if you want me to “just eat some cut up veggies” and then go to 5 hours of after-school activity and homework, I have some choice words for you.

So, here are my suggestions for snack recipes that are quick, simple, and require very little, but mostly no assistance from an already overwhelmed adult.

English Muffin Mini Pizzas

I think this is a snack great for any age, because it doesn’t require using a knife, and it can be customized for taste preferences and nutritional needs. All you have to do is spoon some marinara or pizza sauce on both sides of a fork-split english muffin, top with cheese, and microwave until the cheese melts. If you have a toaster oven, you can certainly use that for a more authentic pizza taste. Top with favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or veggies.

Waffle with Nut Butter and Toppings

Waffle with butter? Breakfast. Waffle with peanut butter and crunchy toppings? Ultimate snack. If you think about it, this is sort of the deconstructed version of those homemade protein bars or energy bites you’re encouraged to make by every Mommy-blogger. Toasting or microwaving a waffle takes all of 60 seconds. I suggest smothering it in peanut butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter) and adding trail mix-like toppings such as shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, etc. Protein, carbohydrates, and a bit of sweetness combine for the energy one needs to finish out the day.

“Sushi” “Dip”

Before you even ask; no, I did not mess up my quotation marks, and yes, you could also do this as a roll up. This is definitely a recipe looking for an audience with a more mature taste palette in a younger body. This snack is basically just combining the dealer’s choice of ingredients that go into a basic sushi roll. The base is cucumbers, cream cheese, and carrot sticks. It can also include smoked salmon pieces (or ham for the less adventurous), seaweed strips, avocado, bell pepper sticks, and a seasoning blend like Everything Bagel or Furikake. The reason I share this as a dip and include the quotations around the word is because it’s much simpler to mix than to measure when you’re in a time crunch. In my mind, “dip” is basically just combining ingredients to the level you see fit. But, if one is partial to food aesthetics, all of these ingredients could be put in a thinly sliced cucumber wrap. Dip with crackers, chips, veggies, seaweed crisps, or anything to your heart’s desire. Or, scooped on top of a pre-cooked rice packet.

Chia Pudding

My adult breakfast of choice would have been a lifesaver as a latchkey kid! Now, this one does require some ahead of time prep (1 tablespoon chia seeds to ¼ cup milk or milk alternative of your choice, mixed and refrigerated overnight or during school). However, I think the payoff is worth it because it will be instantly ready to eat between school and sports or clubs. Add honey, maple syrup, and/or fruit and you have a protein and fiber-packed snack disguised as a sweet treat. In the right container this could totally be hands-free eating for your on the go needs.

Trail Mix

Honestly, this suggestion makes me feel a bit like an “Almond Mom,” but it’s hard to ignore the high protein benefits of nuts, fruits, and seeds. There is no shame in buying pre-made, or even pre-portioned options. However, if you have a little prep time, making your own mix is an easy way to get your student interested in what they’re eating. One prep option is to prepare a batch ahead of time, and store in a large container with a serving size scoop. Or, set up a “trail mix bar” with ingredient options in small containers with suggested serving notes (“add one spoonful of me!”) for a new and personalized option every time. Round out the “healthy stuff” with pretzels and chocolate.

Quesadillas

Finishing this list like we started it – with the glory of microwaved cheese. Not to be repetitive, but a simple cheese quesadilla is another great and easy option. All one needs to do is grab a flour tortilla, sprinkle shredded or sliced cheese, microwave, and fold. This snack will definitely benefit from being amped-up with the addition of pre-cooked protein options, sliced veggies, or pre-made salsa and guacamole.

Viola! I hope you and your student found something on this list that looks interesting and can fit their (and your) busy schedules. Even more convenient is the fact that you can get all the ingredients to make all of these options right at the Littleton Food Co-op. Find out what’s on sale and start shopping. Happy snacking!

Member Choice Awards 2024

July 31, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Announcing the 2024 Winners of the Member Choice Awards

AND THE WINNERS ARE…….

Best Local Produce: Four Corners Farm Strawberries (27%) –> two time winner!

Best Local Bakery Item: Bonilla Bread Dutch-Oven Kalamata Olive Bread (34.1%)

Best Local Deli Prepared Food: Co-op Made Potato Salad (27.4%)

Best Local Pantry Staple Award: White Mountain Apiary Organic Raw Honey (51.2%)

Best Local Meat and Seafood Award: North Country Smokehouse Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon (44.3%)

Best Local Specialty Cheese Award: Crooked Mile Honey Lavender Spread (31.6%)

Best Local Granola Award: Small Batch Organics Cran Maple Crunch (27.3%)

Best Local Dairy Item Award: Sweet Cow Maple Yogurt (44.4%)

Best Local Frozen Item Award: Crum Bum Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (40%)

Best Local Beverage Award: Champlain Orchards Apple Cider (52.1%)

Best Local Savory Snack Award: Port City Tasty Ranch Dill Pretzels (25.4%)

Best Local Sweet Treat Award: Fuller’s Sugarhouse Maple Candies (30.9%)

Best Local Alcoholic Beverage Award: Schilling Beer Co Alexandr Czech-Style Pilsner (28%)

Best Local Wellness Product: Elmore Mountain Lavender Goat’s Milk Soap (46.4%)

Thank you for voting, and congratulations to our winning products! Check back in Summer 2025 for a fresh round of nominations and voting.

So how was this decided?

This year’s nominees were chosen by managers and employees of the Littleton Food Co-op. Employees were polled on their favorite local products based on the department they work in. Department managers also gave their input and collectively gave their stamp of approval to the slate of nominees at a group meeting.

Nominees must be classified as a local product at the Littleton Food Co-op (made in NH, VT or within 100 miles of the Co-op, as a general rule). Nominees in each category were chosen based on a number of factors including employee recommendations, previous nominations/wins, sales data, and representation of the scope of each department.

Then, voting was opened up to all Co-op members! Members voted online and in-store from July 17 through July 27, 2024. Members could also write-in their own nominees for each category, as long as they met local qualifications. The results of member votes are those you see above. The power of cooperation!

Want to be part of it all?

Become a member of the Littleton Co-op today!

About the Member Choice Awards

Calling all Littleton Co-op members: it’s time once again to use your voice and share your favorite local foods. We at the Co-op are big fans of local foods and democracy, so we’re teaming them up once again for the Member Choice Awards. The Member Choice Awards is your opportunity to vote on the best (in your opinion) local foods in a variety of categories across the store. It’s like the Golden Globes teamed up with your favorite locally-owned grocery store. Yeah, it’s that big of a deal.

Member Choice Awards

July 7, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

The 2024 Member Choice Awards have closed. Congrats to our winners! Check back in summer 2025 for a fresh slate of nominees and voting.

The nominees

Voting Eligibility

Voting is open to all members of the Littleton Food Co-op. Only one vote per membership — so make sure to confer with other members of your household if they also use your membership. Not a member yet and want to make your voice heard? Become a member today!

Let’s Vote!

Voting is closed. Voting will be held online. If you are unable to vote online for any reason, please stop by the Service Desk for a paper application or reach out to info@littletoncoop.org.

Winners will be announced in the beginning of August in celebration of NH Eats Local Month.

The Wonderful World of Cotija Cheese

February 5, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Are you familiar with cotija cheese? If not, football season is the perfect time to try it out! Cotija cheese is a semi-hard, slightly aged cheese from Mexico that crumbles like parm but with a stronger, saltier flavor. It doesn’t melt, so it’s often used for crumbling on top of dishes. But it doesn’t have to be regaled to the sidelines! We curated some great recipes that use cotija cheese in a variety of contexts — but they’re all great for this weekend.

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Variations of this dip is perhaps one of cotija’s most notable contributions. Whether it’s intact on the cob in the summer, or made from canned corn in the colder months, different forms of street corn are a great way to add some ~zest~ to your plate. This recipe puts these flavors into a creamy dip form–perfect for scooping up with a tortilla chip or pretzel! The cotija helps counterbalance the jalapeno and various spices while contributing a unique texture. Check out the recipe here.

Cilantro and Cotija Queso Dip

We love this recipe because it’s one where cotija really gets to be a main player. Even though it’s still crumbled on top, it’s accompanied by other ingredients with mild profiles, so it’s salty characteristic gets to stand out. Try it for yourself here.

Bacon Guacamole with Cotija Cheese

If you didn’t think classic guac could get any better, you’ve never put BACON in it. I mean, what isn’t improved by adding bacon? The cotija serves to make the guac creamier than what you’ve come to expect. Plus, you get the added benefit of surprising your guests who were just expecting regular guac. They weren’t expecting this masterpiece.

Okay, you caught us: we’re big dip people. Dips are so versatile, both in flavor possibilities and different uses. Of course chips and other dippers are classic, but you can also recycle and reuse dips into later weeknight recipes. Speaking of…

Mexican Hot Dog

This recipe is great because you can serve it on game day, or certainly save it for later in the weekend as a use for party leftovers. Everyone loves a classic dog, but adding only a couple steps elevates this base beyond the ballpark. Check out the recipe here and let us know what sort of variations you would add.

Where’s the Milk?

February 4, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Many folks have been asking this winter: “Where’s all the Robie Farm milk?” “Why do you not have any Huckins Farm products on the shelves?” Although we’re tempted to stockpile all that local dairy goodness for ourselves, that’s not what’s happening here. We wanted to set the record straight about local dairy this winter.

First, there’s the cows themselves.

Simply put, cows do not produce as much milk in the winter. Unlike childhood storybooks have led us to believe, cows are not constant suppliers of milk that are ready with a fresh squeeze whenever we feel. Many factors affect milk production, and a huge one is weather. When temperatures drop for our infamous New England winters, it changes the life of a cow completely. First, their feed changes. Gone are the rolling acres of fresh green pasture; farmers become more reliant on hay and alternative feeds. Did you know that cows can drink an average of 3 to 5 gallons of water a minute? Cows are pretty fussy about their water temperature. Water that’s too cold or even frozen is not going to fly. No hydration or nutrition = no milk. In addition, cows have to send their bodily energy away from making milk for the winter. It goes either to maintaining their internal body temperature or producing new life to continue the milking cycle.

Secondly, there’s the farmers.

It’s not uncommon to hear a dairy farm being referred to as a seventh, eighth, twelfth generation or beyond operated farm. This means the farm is run by a family, like many of our local farms are. Staffing a dairy farm is a hard task year round, but especially difficult in the winter. Children that would be helping around the farm return back to school, work slows enough to not justify part-time farmhands, and conditions can become brutal for even the most experienced farmers. Suffice to say, if there even is milk to prepare, there might not be enough people around to do it.

So when is the milk coming back?

Short answer is we don’t know, but we’re working hard to make sure it’s as soon as possible. A high priority of ours is cultivating meaningful relationships with our local dairy farmers, and we know they will prioritize getting milk back on our shelves as soon as possible. However, we can’t sell you milk when there is none coming from the farm. The dairy farmers cannot predict what factors will impact milk production in the coming weeks, so, unfortunately, they can’t tell our Dairy Department when they will deliver. We also don’t want to name a random date only to get your hopes up and generate disappointment when unforeseen circumstances kick in.

Then how will I know when it’s back?

The best recommendation we have is to call the store to inquire about a product you are interested in. We cannot call customers when a product comes in or set aside product; we see hundreds of customers everyday and our staff are too busy to carry out special requests like these. This is also a great opportunity to try something new! We have thousands of products in store and new items added weekly. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this natural part of the milk production cycle.

Support the NH Farm to School Bill

February 1, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

The New Hampshire state legislature will soon be deciding on HB1678-FN, also known as the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program or the Farm to School Bill. The goal of this program is to connect more NH school cafeterias with fresh, locally produced foods to serve their populations. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there are innumerable benefits to eating local, including fresher food, lower carbon emissions, and a strong economy. That is why the Littleton Food Co-op is a proud supporter of the Farm to School Bill. As we know, a thriving democracy only thrives when its members are active participants. Here’s what you can do to help support the passage of this bill:

Educate yourself on the bill

NOFA-NH (Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH) has put together a great resource guide about how this program will work, why it is important to NH, and who will benefit from it. Click here to read more from NOFA-NH.

Read General Manager Ed King’s letter of support for NH HB-1678-FN

To Whom It May Concern,

Food Coops across the country have a long history of supporting local agriculture
and healthy eating. I’m writing this letter in support of a Farm to School Bill that is
currently before the New Hampshire House (HB 1678-FN). The goal of the bill is to
increase the availability of local fruits and vegetables in our school systems
statewide. Similar Bills have failed to pass recently in New Hampshire, leaving a
significant amount of Federal matching funding on the table. Speaking on behalf of
the Littleton Food Coop’s 9 Board Members and over 9,000 Members we feel that it
is imperative that HB 1678-FN passes in Fiscal Year 2024.
We’re not sure why this initiative hasn’t passed before this year? This program has
a modest cost of $241,000 for the state and accesses significant federal matching
funds that have already been approved. Do our representatives have something
against NH Farmers? Or perhaps they’re not interested in better nutrition for our
school children? I doubt that is the case. Maybe I am missing something here? What
we don’t want is the errors of the past to doom a positive path forward. Therefore the
Littleton Food Coop and its Members urge our legislatures to pass HB 1678-FN
during this session.

Cooperatively,
Ed King, General Manager LFC

Sign the official letter of support

NOFA-NH is doing the ground work of centralizing communities across NH into one strong letter of support. Click here to add your name to the letter and an optional short what local food means to you.

Contact your representatives

If this is a cause you’re really passionate about and you have a few extra minutes, use them to contact your state representative directly. Click here to find out who your representative is. If this seems to overwhelming, have no fear! There are plenty of resources and templates online designed to help folks contact their representatives. Many of them allow you to just plug in your name and information, and a sentence or two about the bill you’re writing about.

Help us make local food in local schools a reality!

How to Make a Dried Citrus Garland

January 18, 2024 By Anastasia Maher

Winter really makes you wonder: how can I keep myself occupied on a snowy day and make my house cozy and warm at the same time? Okay maybe you’ve never pondered that exact thought, but we’re going to answer your question anyway with this Dried Citrus Garland. Dried citrus garlands make great decor all year round, with the added benefit that they are sustainable, pet-friendly, and add a homemade touch of color to any area. If you shopped the annual Co-op citrus sale, this is a great way to use any citrus you didn’t designate for your marmalade-making or smoothie-slurping. Don’t worry, we still have plenty of individual oranges, grapefruits, and more for sale. While you’re here grabbing the supplies for this DIY, don’t forget to pick up some crafting sustenance: perhaps a local craft beer and some Bulk snack mixes.

@littleton_coop So you got your citrus case this weekend at the Co-op’s annual Citrus Sale…now what? Here Anastasia shows you how to make a dried citrus garland that will be the perfect pop of color for anywhere in your home this weekend. Let us know what you think and if you make one too! #littletoncoop #foodcoop #coop #grocerystore #groceryshopping #citrus #citrusfruit #welovecitrus #littletonnh #casesale #bigsavingsale #citrusgarland #driedfruit #driedcitrusdecor #howtomake #diy #diydecor #diydecorideas #winterdecor #naturaldecor #garland #fyp #foryoupage #forcraftlovers ♬ original sound – Littleton Co-op

Step 1: Come to the Littleton Food Co-op to pick up your citrus! The quantity and variety you choose are totally up to you, as well as whether they are organic or conventional. The quantity you want to pick up will depend on how long you want to make your garland and how full you plan to make your garland look. A garland designed to go over a wide fireplace mantle, or one with no string showing will require more citrus.

Integrating a variety of citrus into your garland will create visual interest through color, size, and shape. Oranges will produce medium-sized, well-rounded pieces. Grapefruit will be extra large and slightly ovular, with a larger hole in the center. Blood oranges will be small and dark. Lemons and limes can create contrast and bright pops of color.

We made four well-spaced garlands at three feet each from four navel oranges, one grapefruit, and two blood oranges. One citrus will produce between eight and twelve slices, depending on how thin your slices are and how much of the rind you want to use.

Step 2: Using your sharpest knife, slice each citrus into rounds, between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick. The thicker the slice, the longer it will take to dry out; however, the thinner you try and make your slice, the more likely it will get damaged or be an incomplete round. This is why a sharp knife is important. If a slice is not even thickness all around, try to trim the thickest side to make for more even cooking.

Step 3: On a new cutting board, lay out two layers of paper towels. Place a single layer of your citrus rounds on the paper towels. They can be very close together. Put two more layers of paper towels on top of the slices and press down on the paper towels to squeeze juice out of the slices. Do not press so hard that you break the citrus flesh. Repeat this process with fresh paper towels at least once more – the more times you do it and the more juice that comes out will result in a quicker cooking time.

*If desired, steps 2 and 3 can be done ahead of time. Store sliced citrus in a bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If you are slicing the oranges ahead of time, only do one round of juicing with the paper towels. Then do at least one more round immediately before step 4.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Arrange citrus slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. The slices can be very close together, but not overlapping. Put the baking sheet on the top oven rack and set the timer for two hours. Occasionally check on the slices in that time to ensure nothing has shifted during cooking.

Step 5: Take out the baking sheet after two hours. The citrus will not be totally dried, but they should not still be completely raw, either. Use tongs or a fork to flip each slice over. Some flesh may stick to the parchment paper from the juices, so take care not to rip any flesh when turning.

Step 6: Replace baking sheet in the oven for another two hours. In that time you should monitor the drying of the slices. You want the slices to be completely dry to the touch. Take them out before two hours if you see evidence of burning or charred pieces. If you haven’t take them out at two hours, remove the sheet to check drying process. If the slices are still tacky, stick them back in the oven to complete the drying process. Once done, transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: When completely cool, carefully use a toothpick, needle, or other sharp object to make a small hole in the flesh near the rind of the slice. Repeat for each slice. The size the hole needs to be will depend on what you’re using to string the slices. For example, a jute twine will need a larger hole from a toothpick, but a clear fishing wire only needs the hole from a needle. Matching the hole size to your string will also prevent the slices from moving around too much.

Step 8: Tie a knot on one side of your string. Thread the slices through the string in whatever order you choose. We recommend laying the citrus out ahead of time to try different arrangements and patterns. You may put as many or as few on a strand as you choose. More citrus on a strand will show less string, but also push the citrus to sit sideways and show more rind. Less on a strand will showcase the entirety of each piece, but will be more susceptible to shifting and less able to conceal mistakes.

Step 9: Use a strong tape or other hanging material to hang your complete garland. Hanging the garland with a deeper middle (a “bigger swoop”) may also cause the slices to shift and congregate in the middle of the strand. You can rearrange the spacing of the slices once it’s up, and use super glue or poster putty to hold slices in place if needed.

Step 10: Enjoy a bright pop of color in your home!

We hope you feel inspired to try this craft in your own home! It does take a lot of time, but the active steps are very minimal. It is also easily customized to fit whatever time, citrus, or design concept you have in mind. Let us know if you follow this DIY and how your garland turns out!

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

December 17, 2023 By Anastasia Maher

Gifts for every budget and every person on your list – all in one convenient place.

By the time you’re reading this, we’re getting into the “last minute shopping season.” Just because you come across a gift closer to the holiday does not mean you have to compromise on quality. We’re all busy people who don’t always have time to take a special Christmas shopping trip. And then there’s the flaky uncle you assumed wasn’t coming to dinner who all of a sudden RSVPs “yes.” The extra child you forgot your sibling has. The dog! Don’t forget a present for the dog!

But wait, you also have to go grocery shopping! Ahhh! Stress!! Why not do two things at once and do your last minute holiday shopping at the Littleton Food Co-op? This year we’ve compiled a list of gifts straight from the Co-op shelves to fit any budget. Whether you’ve got $5 to spend or $50, show your love this holiday season with one of these festive gifts:

Under $5

A quality bar of chocolate: The key to giving a small, single item is to make it unique and of quality. We suggest something from Equal Exchange or Endangered Species. Try going out of the box a little bit, perhaps with the Lemon Ginger or Cinnamon Cayenne & Cherries. This also means you’re giving a new experience, too. An added bonus is that both of these companies use fair trade ingredients, so you can feel good about passing this along.
Locally designed greeting card: Perfect for friends and family far away, a card with a sweet note can be one of the most heartfelt gifts to give and receive. If you want to go a step further, include some mementos like photos from the year, newspaper clippings, copies of ticket stubs, etc. to let your recipient know how your year went.
An aesthetically pleasing jar of popcorn: Utilizing the resources of the Bulk Department is the ideal way to cut costs this holiday season. Simply grab the jar of your choice (or bring one from home) and fill it with either multicolor, yellow, or white kernels. This is the perfect gift for someone who cares about how their kitchen/pantry looks or is constantly on FoodTok. Wrap it up in a nice ribbon or throw a bow on top and you won’t even have to wrap it. Plus, if you throw in the promise of a movie in the future, you’re giving the gift of quality time. Just make sure they’re paying for the movie if you intend to keep it under $5…
Other options: dog treats; a seasoning they use a lot or have never tried before; fancy mustard or other condiment; moisturizing lip balm.

Under $15

Cabot Seriously Sharp Popcorn: Okay, this may sound silly to those who haven’t had this magnificent popcorn snack, but to those who have, you know what’s up. Whoever you give this to is either going to love you for introducing them to their new favorite snack… or hate you for introducing them to their new favorite snack. Throw in their new Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar or Maple Cheddar holiday flavors and it makes a whole popcorn set!
Ursa Major Candle: It’s an undeniable fact that candles are the perfect gift to give, especially in the winter when we could all use a little more coziness. With this 100% beeswax unscented candle you won’t have to worry about your recipient not liking the smell or look. These candles are made by a young local elementary school entrepreneur, so really how can you not buy one??
Fuller’s Pure Maple Dry Sugar: The great thing about this variation of the maple syrup gift is it works for locals and beyond. It’s pretty easy to pass off some local maple products to someone not from the area, but this really shows off the full scope of what maple can do. It’s a little cheaper than syrup, but it’s just as versatile.
Other options: Locally made dressing or marinade; Bulk Dill Cashews, Full Circle Reusable Lunch Set; Co-op reusable bag; local honey.

Under $25

3-pack of Bees Wrap: Reusable and sustainable packaging is becoming a huge trend now, and with that means the options are becoming more and more stylish! The original Bees Wrap products come in individual and multi packs in a variety of designs. You can certainly give a single wrap as a gift, but giving a 3-pack empowers your recipient to integrate it more into their life. No one likes to find out that their gift actually sits unused in a drawer. Pick a pattern they’ll love and you’re almost guaranteed that won’t happen to you!
A local bottle of wine: Our collection of local wines has grown tremendously over the past few years, and now you can satisfy and delight a person of any palette. Rossi Imports supplies us with wines from across the spectrum of light to dark. And the folks at Zorvino have crafted unique flavors like “Chocolate Raspberry” and “Peppermint Mocha” for the more adventurous. We even have Sap House Meadery bottles and cans for someone who’s “over the wine scene.” Sometimes the hardest part of gifting wine is remembering it’s about what they like, not you! But nothing says you can’t get a second bottle for yourself…
Co-op Merch: Who doesn’t love shopping at the Co-op? Let your friends and family bring a piece of the Co-op wherever they go with a Co-op branded t-shirt or hat. It really takes the pressure off remembering to say “I love the Co-op” every five minutes. It’s only a bonus that they’re so stylish.
Other options: Poinsettia or other plant; baking kit with King Arthur Flour, utensils, and fun mix-ins; a set of locally and fairly-sourced bath and beauty products.

Under $50

Liter of Mount Cabot Maple Organic Maple Syrup: We have an incredible array of maple syrup from local producers, but Mount Cabot packaging and design just screams “I am made to be a gift.” When you buy maple syrup from a local producer, you know you are getting a quality product. Mount Cabot specifically is organic, single-source, and woodfired. If you don’t speak maple, that means it’s really, really good: for you, for the environment, and for this women-owned business.
Primal Botanical CBD Rub: This local CBD company out of Vermont has great gift options for the person in your life who deserves a bit of extra pampering. Or honestly, the holidays can be so stressful, this might be one you’re allowed to keep for yourself.
Norpro Compost Keeper: Another great gift for your eco-conscious friend or the one who could use a little encouragement. This could have been seen as a burden, but now that the Co-op has a customer compost bin out front from Meadowstone Farm, composting has never been easier! And as the package itself says, it’s “attractive enough to sit on your kitchen countertop.”
Other options: Every candy option from the Bulk department.

Any budget

A Littleton Food Co-op Gift Card: Stuck on what to get someone? Don’t want to go through the mental energy of deciding what to get someone? A gift card fits everyone, appeals to every taste, and is the easiest thing to wrap — because you don’t have to. Order a gift card online here.

For more gift ideas–from very general to very specific (I mean, we’re talking “gift for your mail carrier who you have an oddly close relationship” specific)– check out our podcast, That’s Rad. Our 2021 Gift Guide has gift suggestions for those absolutely un-giftable people in your life, and our 2022 Sustainable Gift Guide is all about creating unique gifts from our very own Bulk Department. Check them out today, and let us know if you use any of these suggestions.

Whatever gifting direction you choose, all of us at the Littleton Food Co-op wish you a cheerful holiday and a happy New Year ♥

*Price categories reflective of time of writing and cannot be guaranteed.

2023 Thanksgiving Coupon

November 15, 2023 By Littleton Food Co-op

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re getting close to our favorite food holiday, and fresh, local, and organic turkeys have arrived. There will be plenty to choose from, so come on by and select your bird, then stock up on all the holiday trimmings. Here’s something to help with your holiday planning!

Show this coupon to your cashier at checkout to receive $10 off your purchase of $100 or more. You may show this screen on your mobile device, or download and print this page.

This coupon is valid 11/17 – 11/22/23. Limit 1 coupon per order; standard restrictions apply. See service desk for more information. CASHIER: Customers may present this coupon on their mobile device or as a printed copy. Please recycle any print pages when the transaction is complete. Thanks!

Meet Our New Murals

September 21, 2023 By Littleton Food Co-op

If you’ve been to the Co-op lately, you might have noticed some fantastic new mini-murals on the posts in our aisles. We had the pleasure of working with the talented VT mural artist Tara Goreau to add some beautiful art to the front of our store, as well as spruce up our interior with some fresh art.

Our idea was to team up with a local school and collaborate on creating five paintings that could be placed on the plain columns in our store aisles. Thankfully, the wonderful students and teachers at The White Mountain School were eager to help us out by crafting a series of charming murals.

The group of students created a series of sketches and designs tying into the central themes of food and farms, working with Tara to plan and complete each painting. Once dried, the paintings were brought to the Co-op to be wrapped around the columns.

Tara worked in collaboration with Christine Reilly, Visual Arts Teacher at The White Mountain School, along with the following Studio Art students: Santiago J., Sam B., Shekebah H., Ava H., Maddie T., Martin A., Margret B., Leah H., Akaylah R., Jack D., and Liam S. They were assisted by Jorge and Jeanne.

We love that these murals not only tell a story about local food and local farms, but also include the creativity of young up and coming artists in our community. We hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!