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August 2025

Spotlight on Lucas Family Farms

Lucas Family Farms is a small, family-run farm in Orwell, VT, where Josh and Janelle Lucas are raising beef, lamb, and eggs alongside their three children. Farm life is a full family effort—one day you might find the kids helping set fence lines, another day gathering eggs, or lending a hand as cattle move to fresh pasture. Together, they’re building something bigger than just a farm business: a way of life rooted in care for the land, the animals, and the community that depends on both.

From September 3–9, member-owners save 20% on all Lucas Family Farms grass-fed meats and pasture-raised eggs.

 

 

The Lucas Family

Farming with the Land

The Lucases see their animals not just as food producers but as partners in building healthy soil. Their cattle and sheep rotate through pastures in a system called Management Intensive Grazing (MiG)—a flexible approach to rotational grazing where paddock size, stocking density, and length of grazing period are adjusted to balance forage supply with animal nutrient demand through the grazing season. It’s farming that works with natural cycles instead of against them, and the benefits show up everywhere: stronger root systems in the fields, more biodiversity in the soil, and nutrient-rich forage for the animals. Over time, this approach has made the Lucas’ soil richer, their fields more resilient to floods and drought, and their pastures healthier for both livestock and wildlife.

The climate benefits are real, too. Healthy grasslands are capable of trapping carbon from the atmosphere, locking it into the soil, and helping to slow the effects of climate change. By raising livestock entirely on pasture, Lucas Family Farms is proving that farming can be part of the solution.

 
The happy cows at Lucas Family Farms enjoying lush pasture with the Lucas family homestead in the background
 

Commitment to Animal Welfare

Animal care is at the center of everything they do. Cattle and sheep are raised outdoors on diverse forage, eating the diet they evolved for. Their hens roam freely on fresh pasture, where they can scratch, forage, dust-bathe, and live like chickens should. That freedom results in healthier animals, better eggs, and a higher standard of welfare than confinement systems could ever offer.

The difference is easy to see: cattle grazing knee-deep in green pasture, hens chasing insects in the grass, and kids working alongside their parents to make sure every animal is cared for.

 
The girls pitch in with setting and moving paddock fencing as part of the family’s Management Intensive Grazing (MiG) program

 

Happy pastured hens at Lucas Family Farms

Better Food, Better Nutrition

That care translates directly to what ends up on your plate. Grass-fed beef and lamb from Lucas Family Farms are higher in omega-3s, antioxidants, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—nutrients linked to better heart health. Their pasture-raised eggs bring their own advantages, with more vitamin E, vitamin A, and omega-3s than conventional eggs.

But beyond the science, you can taste the difference. Eggs from hens that spend their days foraging in the grass and scratching for bugs are richer and more flavorful, and beef raised on diverse pasture has a depth you won’t find in grain-fed meat. 

 
Hens and cows enjoying adjacent pasture at Lucas Family Farms

Why Support Lucas Family Farms

For the Lucases, farming isn’t just about producing food. It’s about raising their kids in a way that keeps them connected to land and animals, leaving soil healthier than they found it, and showing that small-scale farming can help address the climate crisis. When you buy from Lucas Family Farms, you’re supporting a family committed to land stewardship, humane animal care, and real food that sustains both people and planet.

Save 20% on Lucas Family Farms meats and eggs September 3–9.

Business of the Month – Stone Leaf Teahouse

It’s that time of year again—the days grow shorter, the evenings turn cool and crisp. Picture a whistling kettle, the warm spice of simmering chai, and a quiet spot to sit, relax, and savor the moment. That’s the experience waiting for you at our September featured Co-op Connection Business, Stone Leaf Teahouse. As a Co-op member-owner, you’ll receive 10% off your order at the teahouse. You can also find Stone Leaf’s premium loose-leaf teas right here in our Bulk Tea department.

The staff at Stone Leaf knows tea inside and out. John, the owner, has traveled to many of the farms where their teas are grown, giving him a firsthand connection to the people and places behind each leaf. That depth of knowledge shows up not just in their teahouse but also online, where you’ll find their handy “Tea Guru” tool to help you discover your perfect match.

About Stone Leaf

Founded in 2009, Stone Leaf Teahouse is tucked into the Marbleworks in Middlebury, where stone walls help keep fresh teas fresh and allow aging teas to mature gracefully. Their mission is simple: connect tea drinkers to the families and gardens that have grown and processed tea for generations.

Each year, they travel to tea regions across China, Taiwan, India, Nepal, and Japan to source directly from growers. By bringing back the best harvests multiple times a year, Stone Leaf ensures that what’s in your cup is as fresh and flavorful as it gets.

 

 

Workshops & Learning

Curious to learn more? Stone Leaf offers workshops throughout the year, with opportunities to deepen your understanding of tea culture and traditions. 

 

Explore the Menu

Stone Leaf Teahouse serves an extensive menu of unique teas, many of which are certified organic. View the entire menu here.

Spotlight on Bee’s Wrap

We’re shining this week’s Member Deals Spotlight on a mission-driven local business creating innovative, award-winning products to help us curb our dependence on plastic — Bee’s Wrap! From August 27- September 2, all Bee’s Wrap products are 20% off for member-owners, so it’s a great time to stock up on these reusable, rugged, eco-friendly, locally-made, fully compostable wraps. Read on to learn more about this local company, its mission, and its fierce advocacy:

 

 

The story of Bee’s Wrap begins in Vermont, where founder Sarah Kaeck, a mother and gardener, sought a healthier, more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. Drawing inspiration from traditional methods, she began experimenting with infusing organic cotton with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin in her home kitchen. The result was a reusable, breathable wrap that kept food fresh naturally. What started as a homemade project in 2012 has since blossomed into an internationally recognized brand

 

 

Each Bee’s Wrap is made with thoughtfully sourced materials. The cotton is certified organic and meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Beeswax is harvested from responsibly managed hives, while the jojoba oil and tree resin are also organic and natural. These ingredients create a flexible and self-adhesive material that can be washed and reused for up to a year.

Sustainability is woven into every step of Bee’s Wrap’s process. The wraps are handmade in a solar-powered facility in Vermont. Packaging is completely plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable—even the cellulose window is compostable. As a Certified B Corporation and Green America Certified Business, Bee’s Wrap maintains the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.

 

 

The impact of switching to Bee’s Wrap is significant. One wrap can eliminate hundreds of square feet of single-use plastic wrap annually. If every household in the United States made the change, it could prevent more than 212 million square feet of plastic waste each year. Beyond individual use, Bee’s Wrap partners with organizations like 1% for the Planet and the 5 Gyres Institute to actively combat ocean pollution and support conservation efforts worldwide.

But Bee’s Wrap isn’t just about function—it’s also about beauty and craftsmanship. Each wrap is handmade by a dedicated team in Vermont and features designs from local artists that change with the seasons. From simple kitchen use to creative gift wrapping, Bee’s Wrap combines aesthetics with utility in a way that’s both practical and inspiring.

 

With every use, Bee’s Wrap becomes a small act of environmental care. It’s washable, compostable, and thoughtfully made to reduce our collective dependence on plastic. Whether you’re storing leftovers, wrapping sandwiches, or packing snacks, Bee’s Wrap makes sustainable living easy—and a little more beautiful.

It’s not just about replacing plastic. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that values quality, care, and the planet we all share. Bee’s Wrap is a daily reminder that small changes really can make a big difference.

Explore more at beeswrap.com and take your first step toward a cleaner, greener kitchen.

 

 

 

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!