Our Member Deals Spotlight is beaming on Jovial Foods! Member-owners can enjoy 20% off their full line of products July 9 -15
At Jovial Foods, everything begins with family. When Carla and Rodolfo became parents, their daughter’s gluten sensitivity led them on a search for answers that would ultimately impact thousands of families. Both grew up in Italy in homes where food was everything—homemade, meaningful, and rooted in tradition. As professionals in the organic food industry, they knew that the answer might lie in the past.
Jovial and Bionaturae, pasta making in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.
Their journey led them to einkorn, an ancient grain with a simple genetic makeup, never hybridized and easier to digest. Once they introduced it to their daughter’s diet, her symptoms disappeared. Bread and pasta returned to the table—this time with a wheat they could trust and feel good about. That experience became the seed for Jovial Foods.
Founded in 2010, Jovial remains a small, family-run company with a big purpose: to bring back real, pure ingredients and help others thrive. Einkorn became the centerpiece of that mission, but their vision goes beyond one grain. It’s about food made with care, grown organically, and prepared the traditional way—from stone-milled flour to slow-dried pasta.
Jovial stands out because it’s personal and committed to staying small and values-driven. Their products are made for families dealing with food sensitivities, those looking for nutrient-rich alternatives, and anyone who wants to feel good about what they eat. No glyphosate, no synthetic additives, no shortcuts—just honest food crafted with love.
What started as one family’s journey has grown into a movement. Jovial customers aren’t just buying food; they’re reconnecting with the joy of real ingredients and shared meals. Whether you’re managing gluten sensitivity, exploring ancient grains, or simply seeking better food for your family, Jovial invites you to slow down, cook with intention, and rediscover the joy of eating well.
You may have noticed some unusually bare shelves in early June. That’s because our primary distributor, UNFI, experienced a nationwide communications outage that disrupted deliveries to hundreds of stores across the country.
At the Co-op, we moved quickly—sourcing from alternate vendors, coordinating with the National Co+op Grocers (NCG) network, and leaning into our strong relationships with local distributors. Thanks to these efforts, and the unwavering support of our staff and community, we were able to keep things running, even as stores across the country faced widespread shortages.
We also want you to know: we did not raise prices on any products during this time, even when our own costs increased due to emergency sourcing. That’s part of our commitment to transparency, fairness, and putting people before profit.
Our Staff Made It Happen
While systems were down and deliveries were delayed, our staff showed up in every way that mattered. They took this crisis in stride, got creative about keeping shelves stocked, sourced alternative products on short notice, and kept things moving with a remarkable sense of calm and good humor.
Their flexibility, upbeat attitudes, and problem-solving under pressure were truly inspiring—and a reminder of just how much heart powers this place every day. We’re deeply grateful for their hard work.
Distributors Who Stepped Up
We couldn’t have done it alone. These partners played a vital role in helping us keep shelves stocked during the outage:
Equal Exchange – While we typically purchase through UNFI, we were able to work directly with Equal Exchange to keep our bulk and produce sections supplied.
Rainforest Distribution – This NYC-based distributor supported us across multiple departments, reliably fulfilling full orders at a time when many others were struggling.
Four Seasons Produce – A key partner in keeping our produce section looking strong. They even added an extra delivery on a non-standard day to help us out.
Black River Produce – Provided critical support in keeping our dairy, deli, and cheese cases stocked.
Chex Finer Foods – Helped us meet general grocery needs during the disruption, stepping in with consistency and flexibility.
Farrell Distributing – Ensured we had a reliable supply of beverages and bottled water.
Baker Distributing – Came through with much-needed water products, especially seltzer and gallon jugs, which were hard to source elsewhere.
KeHE – Added extra trucks to accommodate larger order sizes and helped fill critical gaps.
Thank You
To our customers: thank you for your patience, kindness, and support while we navigated this disruption. From understanding questions to words of encouragement at the registers, your trust in us meant the world.
While global supply chains shape much of the modern food system, this experience reminded us that local relationships are at the heart of our resilience. Because of our staff, our vendors, and you, we were able to weather this storm better than many other stores around the country.
Thank you for being part of this community—and for supporting your Co-op.
We’re shining a bright spotlight on our Co-op Connection Business of the Month — Honey Wax Bar! They offer a generous 10% discount to card-carrying Co-op member-owners through the Co-op Connection program, so what are you waiting for?! Read on to learn more about Honey Wax Bar and the skilled esthetician who is excited to help you feel your confident best, no matter the occasion:
Honey Wax Bar founder and owner Hannah Zeno felt called to this line of work by a desire to make all things beautiful and an understanding that real beauty begins within. Her path to becoming a holistic esthetician began by studying nutrition and coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC and an extensive yoga teacher training program to learn more about the foundations of balance and strength. She studied esthetics for almost a decade with continuing education in makeup, oncology, chemical peels, and most recently lash lifting and microblading. Hannah strives to transform her clients into the most outstanding and glowing version of themselves, helping them feel beautiful from the inside out.
Holistic Esthetician Hannah Zeno, photographed by Elisabeth Waller Photography
Formally known as Honey Holistic Esthetics, Honey Wax Bar is Middlebury’s local go-to waxing and permanent make-up beauty bar. They offer a range of services, from waxing to brow tinting to lash lifting and microblading, all intended to gently assist you along your journey to feeling your absolute most radiant self. Whether you are preparing for your honeymoon or in search of a quick pick-me-up, Honey Wax Bar provides the services to make you more confident in your new bikini or outfit behind closed doors. Located right in the heart of Middlebury, VT overlooking the river, Honey Wax Bar prides itself on its convenient booking system, especially for Middlebury College Students who can book their waxing appointment in between classes.
According to Hannah, “it is a pleasure to work with women and men who come to me looking for a change and want to explore more about the world of health and beauty. When a client makes an appointment, we focus not only on their immediate needs but also on long-term beauty goals. My clients are the reason I’m at Honey!” To view their full menu of services, visit them online at honeywaxbarmiddlebury.com. To book an appointment now, text Hannah Zeno at 802-989-9122 or request an appointment through their easy online booking system.
We’re casting our Member Deals Spotlight on Tierra Farm this week to highlight the socially and environmentally responsible practices of this employee-owned business. They provide an array of healthy products to our bulk department that are certified organic, gluten-free, kosher, and GMO-free, all of which are produced in small batches in their solar-powered facility in Valatie, NY. From July 2nd – 8th, member-owners can enjoy 20% off their delicious dried fruits, nuts, and other healthy snacks! Read on to learn more about this fantastic small business and its commitment to responsible practices throughout the supply chain:
Tierra Farm is a Certified Organic manufacturer and distributor of nuts and dried fruits located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Their customers consist mainly of cooperatives and independently owned grocery stores that value working with an employee-owned, environmentally conscious company that manufactures its own products.
Tierra Farm started as a diversified organic vegetable farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The organic nuts & dried fruit portion of the business started in 1999, as a way to generate income in the slower winter months. That portion of the business has continued to thrive and evolve into a year-round operation, though they still maintain their original farm.
Tierra Farm offers its customers exceptional value through unbeatable quality at prices that are fair both to the consumer and to the farmer. Their products are made without preservatives, added oils, or refined sugars, in their own peanut-free facility. They manufacture the products they sell: dry roasting and flavoring nuts and seeds, blending trail mixes, grinding butter, and covering nuts and fruits in fair-trade chocolate. Everything is made in small, hand-crafted batches for freshness.
One of their core values has been to cultivate strong relationships with the best organic farmers in the world. They work directly with the farmers from which they source their nuts, seeds, and dried fruit and have worked with some of these farmers for over a decade. Being in direct communication with their farmers allows the preservation of their organic integrity and ensures fair business practices throughout the supply chain.
Tierra Farm produces only Certified Organic products which are grown without synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, or chemical fertilizers. This helps sustain biodiversity, conserves fresh water, and enhances the soil. They generate over 70% of their electricity from solar panels and recycle over 60% of their waste. Their delivery boxes are made from recycled cardboard and our individual product packaging is always made with recyclable materials and/or compostable packaging whenever possible. Tierra Farm proudly features more than 100 products in plastic-free, home-compostable packaging.
Tierra Farm is also committed to community. They recognize that there’s a whole big world outside their doors and they want to help make it as beautiful as possible. With this in mind, they embrace opportunities to s
upport local charities and help them continue to do great work in service to others.
Recently selected one of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000, Tierra Farm remains committed to its team members. Every single Tierra Farm employee makes a living wage of at least $20 per hour and enjoys a comprehensive health benefits program, as well as a retirement plan and onsite lunch. In August of 2019, Tierra Farm became a Certified B Corporation, one of only 3,000 companies worldwide to earn this distinction.
The story of Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company (VFCC) began with a shared vision: to preserve a cherished dairy farm in South Woodstock, Vermont, and to keep alive the rich tradition of artisan cheesemaking. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of its community, that vision became reality—a thriving creamery known for quality, creativity, and care.
Vermont Farmstead is embarking on an exciting new chapter. The company has officially acquired Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC), a historic and beloved name in Vermont cheesemaking.
This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone. By uniting the heritage, expertise, and resources of VFCC and GVCC, the company is not only expanding its footprint but also reinforcing its ability to deliver exceptional cheeses rooted in craftsmanship and tradition. The goal: to elevate Vermont cheesemaking by blending time-honored techniques with thoughtful innovation, while supporting the talented individuals who bring these cheeses to life.
More than a business move, this acquisition reflects VFCC’s enduring commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community. The company will continue producing its award-winning cheeses with even greater consistency and capacity for innovation. Cheesemaking operations will remain active at both the Grafton facility and the VFCC creamery in South Woodstock, ensuring product availability, operational efficiency, and continuity in quality.
At the heart of both brands are the cheesemakers, and VFCC is investing in them—providing tools, training, and support to help them thrive and push boundaries in artisanal cheese production.
With increased scale and improved distribution, the company is poised for long-term success—without ever compromising its core values. GVCC, a cornerstone of Vermont’s dairy legacy, will continue to be honored and preserved under VFCC’s stewardship. While each brand will retain its unique identity, together they form a dynamic, resilient enterprise grounded in authenticity, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
Since releasing its first cheese in 2011, VFCC has made steady strides—acquiring Castleton Crackers in 2013, launching a vibrant retail space in Artisans Park, and now, bringing GVCC into the fold. Every step has been fueled by the company’s mission: to make high-quality, artisanal cheese more accessible while caring for the land, the animals, and the people behind the process.
VFCC’s award-winning cheeses—recognized by competitions such as the New York International Cheese Competition—are a testament to the dedication of its team. Most recently, the company was honored as Vermont Cheddar Creamery of the Year, underscoring its continued commitment to excellence.
As VFCC looks ahead, it remains firmly rooted in its support for local dairy farmers, its celebration of skilled cheesemakers, and its connection to the community that has championed its growth from the start.
Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company invites everyone to experience what’s next—because the best cheese is always made with care and shared with joy.
Butterworks Farm is in the Member Deals Spotlight this week, and all of their local, organic, 100% grass-fed dairy products are 20% off for member-owners from January 19th through the 25th. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy delicious, high-quality dairy while supporting a Vermont farm with deep roots in sustainable agriculture and family tradition.
The story of Butterworks began over 46 years ago when Jack and Anne Lazor moved to Westfield, Vermont, fresh from college. With degrees in Agricultural History and Anthropology and a shared dream of living close to the land, they began building a farmstead and a life together. By 1979, they were selling yogurt, cottage cheese, and raw milk to a growing group of devoted local customers. As their operation expanded, so did their influence in the world of organic agriculture. Jack became a well-known voice in the movement—teaching courses at the University of Vermont, speaking at conferences, advocating for organic practices, and writing The Organic Grain Grower, a highly regarded guide for small-scale farmers.
Jack and Anne approached farming as lifelong students, constantly researching and refining their methods to prioritize environmental stewardship. Their goal was always bigger than the farm—it was about contributing to a food system that builds soil, sequesters carbon, conserves water, and supports biodiversity.
In 2010, Jack was diagnosed with prostate cancer, later requiring dialysis for kidney failure. During this incredibly challenging time, Anne became both Jack’s caregiver and the steady hand that kept the farm running. After Jack’s passing in 2020, their daughter Christine, who grew up on the farm, stepped in to continue the family’s legacy. With her own family now involved, Christine remains committed to the land, the animals, and the values that have guided Butterworks from the start.
The cows at Butterworks Farm are Jerseys—gentle, spirited, and well-suited to thrive on a diet of nothing but grass. Each cow has her own name and a familiar place in the barn. They graze on rotational pastures throughout the growing season and eat sweet hay from the winter solar barn during the colder months. The decision to go fully grass-fed was a gradual process. For years, Butterworks grew all their own feed, including grains like oats, wheat, and corn. But as soil fertility improved, so did the quality of their pastures, and by 2016 they had transitioned to a 100% grass-fed model.
This shift wasn’t just about diet—it was about farming in a way that reduces tillage, enhances soil structure, and draws carbon out of the atmosphere. As Jack once wrote in a Butterworks Farm blog post: “More grass means more fibrous root systems in the soil. Less grain means less tillage and better soil health. Less tillage means less burning of fossil fuels and less disturbance to the delicate balance of microorganisms in our soils.” For him, building soil carbon was central to the farm’s mission and a key part of the global response to climate change.
In recognition of their decades of work, Jack and Anne were honored with NOFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and became the first organic farmers inducted into the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame. Jack was posthumously featured in Vermont Public’s Soul of the Soil series in 2022, highlighting his lifelong efforts to farm in harmony with the earth.
Butterworks Farm stands today as a testament to what’s possible when farming is approached with vision, humility, and care for future generations. With three generations now working the land, their story continues—rooted in tradition, inspired by nature, and sustained by love.
Nestled in the scenic hills of Salisbury, Vermont, Blue Ledge is a first-generation, family-run creamery that’s been crafting award-winning cheeses since 2000. Known for their commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and strong community partnerships, they’ve earned a lasting place in Vermont’s local food scene. This week, we’re proud to feature Blue Ledge Farm as our Member Deal. From June 11–17, Co-op members save 20% on all Blue Ledge products!
Founders Hannah Sessions and Greg Bernhardt didn’t begin their journey on a farm. Their story started in Florence, Italy, where they studied art and culture and began to dream about a life rooted in land and purpose. After returning to Vermont, they restored a retired dairy farm and started with just four goats. Over the years, that dream has grown into a thriving farm, where 125 Alpine and LaMancha goats are milked daily to produce 14 unique cheeses, ranging from delicate fresh chèvre, to creamy bloomy rinds, and firm, aged wheels.
Hannah, Greg, and the Blue Ledge Farm Team
In addition to their acclaimed goat’s milk cheeses, Blue Ledge Farm also produces a line of cow’s milk cheeses. Since 2008, they’ve sourced cow’s milk from Ayrshire cows at MoSe Farm in Whiting, VT—valued for its richness and cheesemaking qualities. This summer marks a new chapter as they begin working with Hogan Farm in Leicester, VT, where Deb and Andy Hogan raise a small, grass-fed herd of Normande cows, known for their exceptionally rich milk and efficient grazing. That milk will be used to produce Blue Ledge favorites like the buttery Camembrie, the creamy Middlebury Blue, and the new Moosalamoo, available in flavors like dill and caraway. With this new partnership, they’re also bringing back Riley’s 2×4—a fan favorite that blends goat and cow’s milk into a complex, aged cheese with a bold, full-bodied flavor.
Sustainability has always been central to the Blue Ledge philosophy. The goats spend much of the year grazing and foraging, which helps keep them healthy and minimizes the need for imported feed. All manure is composted and returned to their fields, helping to enrich the soil and close the nutrient loop. In 2008, they constructed an underground cheese-aging cave that uses the natural insulation of the earth to maintain perfect aging conditions while reducing energy use.
Blue Ledge has worked closely with Efficiency Vermont to improve their energy systems, including installing high-efficiency compressors, LED lighting, and a variable-speed milking machine. They heat their home, barn, and cheese house with a biomass furnace fueled by locally-sourced wood pellets, and in 2015, solar panels were added to their barn roof—now producing nearly half of their electricity during the summer months.
Blue Ledge Farm is a powerful example of how small-scale, sustainable agriculture can produce world-class food while supporting the health of the land, the animals, and the community. With every wedge and wheel, Hannah and Greg are creating something truly meaningful—cheese that nourishes and connects.
Stop by this week to enjoy their incredible cheeses at a great price, and experience the passion, care, and craftsmanship that define Blue Ledge Farm .
Hannah Sessions, Greg Bernhardt, and their children.
Located in the heart of downtown Middlebury, FLORA is proud to be the town’s only locally owned and operated cannabis dispensary. Founded by longtime residents Michael Sims and Dave Silberman, FLORA offers more than just quality cannabis—it provides a welcoming, community-focused space where visitors can explore thoughtfully curated, lab-tested Vermont products. We’re excited to feature FLORA as this month’s Co-op Connection featured business, where Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op members 10% off their purchase every day!
FLORA’s atmosphere is intentionally clean, calm, and inviting. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer, the shop is designed to make everyone feel comfortable and informed.
Dave Silberman talks to a customer about product offerings.
FLORA’s dedicated team of budtenders are the heart of the operation. Known for their deep knowledge and friendly approach, they’re always ready to help customers navigate their options—whether they’re looking to cannabis for sleep, pain relief, stress management, or recreational use. Customers who already know what they want can also place preorders online, to have their selections ready for fast checkout when they arrive at the store.
FLORA’s large selection of canned beverages (left) and a popular tincture for DIY dosing (right).
FLORA keeps things fresh with a rotating lineup of five to six new cannabis flower strains each week—there’s always something new to discover. Their aromatic bud bar lets visitors take in the full sensory experience of each strain. “Every week we put out 5–6 new strains,” says co-founder Dave Silberman. “We always keep the selection fresh and exciting.”
A selection of pre-roll joints (left) and FLORA’s line of edibles (right).
That same dedication to quality carries through to their pre-rolls. While many shops mass-produce joints that can linger on shelves, FLORA crafts theirs in small batches using high-quality flower, so customers can count on them always being fresh and flavorful.
Beyond flower, FLORA also offers a refined range of cannabis products including a large selection of edibles and beverages. One favorite among customers and staff is FLORA’s own line of low-dose edibles known as “Socials.” Socials are crafted with full-spectrum cannabis oil pressed from flower without the use of solvents, preserving naturally occurring terpenes for a richer experience. Many users find that full-spectrum products—containing a range of cannabinoids and terpenes—offer a more balanced, approachable effect than isolated THC. Other gummies in FLORA’s co-branded line-up include “Functionals” designed to address everyday complaints – from pain to insomnia. These gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and crafted without artificial flavors or colors, making them a popular and approachable option for a wide range of consumers.
FLORA is deeply invested in curating the best of the best across every category, regularly testing new products to ensure customers have access to top-tier options. One recent standout: handcrafted chocolates from Stir the Pot Kitchen, made right here in Addison County by the original founder of Daily Chocolate in Vergennes. With premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, they’re a perfect example of FLORA’s thoughtful approach to product selection.
After opening, Silberman realized that no one in the area was selling pipes—people were driving all the way to Burlington just to buy glass. So FLORA expanded to include accessories, too. True to form, even these are carefully curated, from simple, affordable options to artisan pieces like the one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pipes from local woodworker Jim Cunningham of Pipes by Jim.
FLORA gave over $40,000 in Co-op Connection discounts in 2024, underscoring the store’s deep commitment to serving locals and supporting the Co-op. “Being part of the Co-op Connection Program gives back to the consumer, offers a discount, and supports the Co-op,” says Silberman. “It also signals that we stand for local—locally owned producers and the people of this community.”
Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or looking for a special gift, FLORA’s welcoming team is ready to help you find exactly what you need. Patrons must show a valid picture ID to verify they are at least 21. Stop by their downtown Middlebury location at 2 Park Street – and don’t forget to tell them we sent you!
In honor of Dairy Month, which is celebrated each June, we’re shining a bright Spotlight on the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership. In early January of 2022, the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, a first-of-its-kind campaign in partnership with the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening Association (MOFGA), was created to help solve the crisis of disappearing organic family farms in our region.
Nathan Rogers of Rogers Farmstead Creamery in Berlin, VT, pauses to give one of his grass-fed cows a chin scratch
The Partnership, a collaboration of farmers, processors, retailers, activists, and government agencies, invites consumers to pledge to purchase at least one-fourth of their weekly organic dairy purchases from brands that have committed to sourcing their dairy from Northeast organic family farmers. A central goal of the effort is to increase demand for dairy produced in our region, creating market stability to help save at-risk farms and build greater food system resilience for the future.
Strafford Organic Creamery owners Earl Ransom and Amy Huyffer, pictured with their family and their happy, grass-fed cows
We are proud to announce that your Co-op has joined the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership. To secure the future of organic dairy farming in the northeast, we’re committed to purchasing organic dairy products from brands that source their milk from our region. We’re also encouraging member-owners and the community to become informed about the Partnership and take the pledge to purchase ¼ of your weekly dairy products from Brand Partners. When you commit to buying one-fourth of your weekly dairy items from the brands that support our region’s organic family farms, you become a proud Consumer Partner with all of these farmers.
Why Does This Matter?
Family farms reconnect us to the land and each other. They provide our communities with beautiful open spaces, abundant wildlife habitats, and rural charm. We pick fruit in their fields and orchards and pet their cows at county fairs. Family farms remind us where our food comes from and connect us with the hands that feed us.
When you pledge to buy the products from our region’s organic family farmers, you are not just helping to keep these farms financially viable. You are supporting true environmental and health heroes. Organic farmers foster healthy soils, which are both a founding principle of organic production and key to fighting climate change. Vermont’s organic farms release fewer greenhouse gases than their conventional counterparts, protect our water and other natural resources, are more resilient to extreme weather events, sequester carbon through their management practices, promote biodiversity, and provide greater community food security. Moreover, you are helping to support a fairer, more stable agricultural market, which keeps thousands of small family farms in business and thriving. In fact, organic milk prices are traditionally more stable than the conventional dairy market, so organic farmers often have an easier job of covering production costs. That means they have a better chance of keeping the lights on at the farm and the cows out in the pasture, where they belong.
Mercy Larson of Larson Farm and Creamery in Wells, VT pictured with one of her grass-fed cows
“The Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership celebrates the fact that when it comes to supporting our region’s organic family farmers, it really does take a village,” said Gary Hirshberg, chair of the Partnership and co-founder of Stonyfield Organic. “Everyone has a stake in the long-term financial health of our region’s farms and farm families. The simple act of pledging to purchase one-quarter of dairy items from the brands, processors, and farms that support these family farmers, can help to ensure that farms remain healthy, vibrant, financially viable, and environmentally and climate-positive parts of the northeast region for generations to come.”
The late great Jack Lazor of Butterworks Farm in Westfield, VT pictured with wife, Anne, and daughter Christine, along with her family.
The decline in the number of small family farmers is unfortunately not a new story, as the United States, and especially the northeast, has seen drastic reductions in the number of both farms and acreage over the last decade. From 2012 to 2021 alone, Vermont has lost over 390 individual dairy farms as food production has largely been ceded away from small families, and into large, agri-business operations. However, organic family farmers are important contributors to a healthy environment and thriving rural life and are important players in the region’s food system.
Elliot of Rogers Farmstead Creamery in Berlin, VT greets customers at his family’s organic farmstand
The next time you are shopping in the dairy or cheese cases, look for the Northeast Organic Family Farm Seal to identify Partner Brands. When you see the seal, you can be confident that your purchase supports hard-working organic dairy farmers in the Northeast. For more information on the campaign and to take the pledge, click here.
This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Shelburne Farms to our Member Deal line-up! From May 28–June 3, Member-Owners receive 20% off these exceptional local cheeses—crafted just down the road on one of Vermont’s most iconic farms.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont, historic Shelburne Farms spans a breathtaking landscape of rolling pastures, forests, and pebbled beaches. Its stunning architecture and inviting spaces make it one of the most beautiful farms in New England –magical and inviting.
Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a conservation ethic for sustainable future through education. Rooted in regenerative agriculture, this working dairy farm is renowned for its world-class artisanal cheddar cheese. Since 1980, the farm has produced farmhouse cheddar using only raw milk from its own herd of purebred Brown Swiss cows. Free from rGBH, artificial flavors, colorings, and preservatives, their cheese reflects a deep commitment to quality.
Each year, the farm crafts around 140,000 pounds of cheddar. This work not only connects people to the source of their food but also strengthens local food systems and supports Shelburne Farms’ educational programs.
Here at Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Shelburne Farms Cheddars are a cornerstone of our local artisanal cheese case. From the delicate, creamy notes of their 6-month aged cheddar to the sharp sweetness of their 2-year, to the crumbly, herbaceous bite of the 3-year, there’s a flavor for every palate and every cheeseboard. Don’t miss this chance to stock up while supporting a farm that exemplifies sustainability, education, and excellence.
Learn more about Shelburne Farms and their programs by visiting their website. Better yet, plan a visit to explore this incredible conserved property and see their cheesemaking and regenerative farming practices in action!
