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August 2025

Celebrating a Profitable Year with Patronage Dividends

We are thrilled to announce that Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op (MNFC) had a profitable year! As a result, we will begin issuing patronage dividend checks in late August and early September for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. This is the 10th consecutive year the Co-op has sent dividend checks since members voted to start this system. 

As member-owners of the Co-op, its profits belong to you. Patronage dividends are how the Co-op’s profits are equitably shared among members. The patronage dividend is a powerful reminder of the uniqueness of the co-operative grocery model, and what can be achieved when individuals work together as a community. 

This year, the total patronage amount is $1,074,303. The Co-op will reinvest 70% back into the business for maintenance and other short and long-term projects – this becomes part of what we collectively own as member-owners. The remaining 30% will be returned to you – the owners of our grocery store. That’s $318,658 being returned directly to 5,805 of our member-owners!

How big of a check can you expect?

How much you receive is based on how much money you’ve spent at the Co-op during the previous fiscal year (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025). Refunds amounting to less than $5 will not be issued, as the cost of processing them exceeds the check value – so not everyone will receive a check. These smaller amounts, totaling $3,633, will instead be donated to our local food shelves, HOPE and CVOEO, where they make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our community. Checks that are left uncashed after 180 days are also donated.

Finally, remember that you can use your dividend to purchase groceries at the Co-op! Just present your endorsed check to the cashier at checkout, and they will deduct the amount from your total.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Co-op community! 

Spotlight on Cascadian Farm

We’re shining this week’s Member Deals Spotlight on Cascadian Farm. Their full line of organic products are 20% off for member-owners from August 13th-19th, so it’s a great time to stock up and save! Read on to learn more about their commitment to providing healthy, organic foods for over 50 years:

 

From a Dream in the Mountains: The Story of Cascadian Farm

Every great movement starts with a single step—or in our case, a single seed.

The story of Cascadian Farm began in 1972 with Gene Kahn, a grad student from Chicago with big dreams and even bigger ideals. Gene wasn’t just interested in farming; he was passionate about doing it differently. He believed in a future where agriculture could nourish both people and the planet, and he was willing to take the hard road to make that vision real.

 

Armed with little more than determination and a deep respect for the Earth, Gene found a small patch of land tucked into the breathtaking Cascade Mountains of Washington. There, he began farming the only way he knew how: through trial and error. It wasn’t easy, but Gene was committed to learning how to grow food in harmony with nature, without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

 

Gene’s work laid the foundation for something bigger. He realized early on that true change wouldn’t come from one farm alone—it would take a community of like-minded growers dedicated to farming with the future in mind. That insight became the heart of Cascadian Farm.

Today, Cascadian Farm has grown far beyond its original plot of land. But our commitment remains rooted in Gene’s vision. We’re proud to support a network of farmers who use organic and regenerative practices—farming in ways that heal the land, protect biodiversity, and help build thriving communities.

 

 

 

Co-op Connection Business of the Month – Green Peppers!

Looking for a satisfying slice of pizza, a hearty calzone, or a crisp, refreshing salad? This August, we’re excited to spotlight Green Peppers Restaurant as our Co-op Connection Business of the Month. MNFC member-owners can enjoy a 10% discount on orders year round.

 

Located in Shaw’s Plaza in Middlebury, Green Peppers has been a fixture in the community for over 40 years. Since opening in 1982, the restaurant has been proudly family-owned and operated by Mark and Donna Perrin. From the beginning, they set out to offer high-quality, affordable meals in a warm and welcoming environment—and that tradition continues today.

 

 

While best known for their delicious pizzas, Green Peppers offers a wide-ranging menu full of comfort food favorites. Guests can enjoy hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan; stacked sandwiches such as Philly steak and black bean burgers; and fresh, customizable salads like the popular buffalo chicken salad. Shareable appetizers round out the menu, and there are gluten-free pizza crusts and vegetarian options to suit different dietary needs. For larger gatherings, their ready-to-order pasta trays—serving 10 to 12 people—are perfect crowd-pleasers, with choices like baked ziti, mac and cheese, and chicken broccoli alfredo.

 

 

Green Peppers is more than just a local eatery. Mark Perrin has long been a dedicated community advocate. Over the years, he has served on several local boards, including the Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Investment Board, and Middlebury Business Association. He’s also an active member of the Addison County Hunger Council, working closely with Hunger Free Vermont to address local food insecurity. From 2013 to 2019, Mark brought his commitment to equity to the state level, serving on the Vermont State Board of Education and advocating for fair access to education for all Vermont students.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, planning a family dinner, or catering a party, Green Peppers offers comforting, quality food with a side of community spirit. They currently offer curbside pickup and takeout only, making it easy and convenient to enjoy your favorites at home or on the go. Don’t forget to show your Co-op Membership Card to receive 10% off your order!