On Wednesday, September 10th, member-owners gathered at American Flatbread for the Co-op’s 49th Annual Meeting.
We heard presentations from our General Manager, Greg Prescott, who updated members on the state of the Co-op at the end of Fiscal Year 2024. Members of the board gave presentations about a variety of policy-governance topics, and both Greg and the Board took questions from member-owners.
If you missed the meeting (or even if you didn’t!), keep scrolling to see photos of the event. If you would like a PDF copy of the FY24 Annual Report, you can download it here.
Thanks to everyone who came out! We look forward to seeing you all again next year (and in the aisles)!
As Co-op Month continues, we’re casting our Member Deals Spotlight on cooperatively-owned Aura Cacia. All of their products are 20% off for member-owners from October 15-21.
As part of Frontier Co-op, Aura Cacia shares the same cooperative values that guide us here at the Co-op—care for people, care for the planet, and a commitment to doing business in a way that benefits both.
Aura Cacia believes in the power of positive change—both in personal well-being and in the world we share. Their essential oils, skin care oils, and aromatherapy products are made from simple, pure botanical ingredients that harness nature’s ability to support health and balance.
Every ingredient is carefully and sustainably sourced from growers around the globe. To ensure safety and integrity, every shipment of essential oil is tested to verify its purity and quality. From field to bottle, Aura Cacia’s process reflects a dedication to transparency and trust—so customers can feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes and putting onto their skin.
A History Rooted in Purpose
Aura Cacia began in 1982 in Weaverville, California, when a small group of aromatherapy enthusiasts set out to share the benefits of essential oils. In 1993, the company joined Frontier Co-op, strengthening its connection to cooperative values and its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Since then, Aura Cacia has continued to lead the way in aromatherapy—becoming the first brand to offer a full line of certified organic essential oils in 1995 and later moving its operations to Urbana, Iowa, near Frontier Co-op’s headquarters. Now, more than forty years later, Aura Cacia remains a trusted name in aromatherapy, rooted in purpose and inspired by possibility.
The Positive Change Project
Aura Cacia’s commitment to positive change extends far beyond their products. In 2016, they launched the Positive Change Project, a grant program that supports nonprofit organizations helping women and girls transform their lives.
Since its founding, the program has granted over $1 million to organizations that help women overcome barriers such as domestic violence, housing insecurity, and economic hardship. Past recipients include:
Climb Wyoming, which helps single mothers gain job skills and financial stability.
Calvary Women’s Services, providing trauma-informed healthcare, housing, and life skills education.
Resonance Center, supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system through counseling and mentorship.
Catherine McAuley Center, offering housing, mental health services, and community support for women rebuilding their lives.
Every Aura Cacia purchase helps fund these programs, and serves as small act of support for women striving for independence and well-being.
Discover and Create
Be sure to check out Aura Cacia’s impressive collection of recipes to unleash the full potential of their essential oils. Whether you’re looking for DIY recipes for facial care, body care, or home cleaning products, they’ve got something for you!
Winter weather is just around the corner, so it’s a great time to start thinking about winter tires. We invite you to check out our Co-op Connection Business of the Month – County Tire!Not only can they fix you up with new tires, but they also offer a wide range of automotive services and they have a special deal for Co-op member-owners! Present your member card to receive 10% off parts and 5% off tires! Read on to learn more about the oldest locally-owned tire shop in Addison County:
If you need tire or automotive care, trust County Tire Center, Inc! Located at 33 Seymour Street Middlebury, VT 05753, County Tire Center, Inc. is your trusted source for all of your automotive and tire needs. Owners Steve and Lisa are there to ensure that your visit to County Tire Center, Inc. will not only solve all of your automotive needs but will be one that you will be sure to share with others. They take pride in quality service and the ability to meet customers’ needs in a timely manner.
Servicing customers in the greater Champlain Valley of Vermont and New York, County Tire Center, Inc. has the automotive expertise and friendly, reliable service you need to get you back on the road fast! From tire sales and batteries to shocks, struts, brake, and transmission services, they can handle all of your vehicle needs to keep you running in top shape.
With their years of experience, they offer quality parts and services at the best prices possible. They take pride in their work and strive for great customer satisfaction on each visit. Their goal is to keep your vehicle running in the best possible condition and they will not settle for “good enough.” They went into business in order to bring a higher quality to automotive work in the Middlebury area and intend to have each customer leave happy while offering the most competitive prices in the area.
With their excellent selection of Bridgestone, Firestone, and Nokian tires, they can fit any vehicle make and model. They strive to ensure customer satisfaction and vehicle safety and will do whatever it takes to make sure that you and your vehicle only receive top-quality tires and equipment. They understand that your vehicle is a large investment and they welcome your business in protecting that investment.
If you need general automotive services, computerized tire balancing, general tire service, oil changes, brake service, custom auto detailing or performance tires, consider County Tire Center, Inc. Do you have an electric or hybrid vehicle? County Tire Center, Inc. is an authorized Hybrid/EV repair center offering a wide range of services to keep your hybrid or electric vehicle in top condition. Please feel free to contact them at 802-388-7620 or online to discuss the many options and services offered.
How do they stay small and sell big? It’s simple: years of experience. County Tire Center, Inc. has been in business since 1982. Their mission is to offer you the latest in parts and products, at the best prices with unparalleled service. They pledge their best efforts to make your experience both beneficial and enjoyable. Once you try County Tire, we’re sure you’ll be back for more!
October Member Deals Spotlight: Equal Exchange Celebrating Co-op Month, Fair Trade Month & Non-GMO Month
October is a month dedicated to values that matter—cooperation, fairness, and transparency in our food systems. That’s why we’re shining this weeks Member Deals Spotlight on Equal Exchange—a worker-owned cooperative that’s transforming global trade by working directly with small farmer co-ops. From October 1-7, all Equal Exchange products are 20% off for member-owners!
Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 to challenge the exploitative global trade model that favors large agribusiness and multinational corporations. Instead, they work with small-scale farmers, helping them gain access to international markets on fair terms. Every Equal Exchange product is:
Certified Organic
Fairtrade Certified
Produced by cooperatives
Non-GMO
From coffee and chocolate to avocados and bananas, Equal Exchange creates a trade system that is rooted in equity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment
Bananas
The banana industry is known for harmful labor practices and environmental degradation. Equal Exchange partners with co-ops in Ecuador and Peru—like AsoGuabo and CEPIBO—where farmers have collective ownership, democratic control, and access to fair prices. This not only sustains their land and livelihoods, but reinvests in local communities. Buying Equal Exchange bananas means supporting a model that respects people and the planet.
Community members of Asoguabo Co-op and Equal Exchange Worker Owners in Ecuador
Avocados
In Michoacán, Mexico, small farmers from co-ops like PRAGOR and PROFOSMI produce organic avocados despite pressure from large industrial agriculture. These farmers face challenges like market access and pricing volatility, but Equal Exchange offers a lifeline through long-term, stable partnerships.
One inspiring example is Las Mujeres Polinizadoras de Tingambato, a women’s beekeeping co-op started with fair trade premiums to empower women through sustainable, income-generating work.
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Equal Exchange visiting the farmers from the PROFOSMI avocado cooperative
Coffee
Coffee is where it all began for Equal Exchange. In 1986, they introduced Café Nica, sourced from Nicaraguan farmers, as the first fairly traded coffee in the U.S. market. Today, Equal Exchange supports coffee farmers worldwide through initiatives like:
Women in Coffee Series – spotlighting women leaders in the coffee supply chain
The Congo Coffee Project – raising awareness and over $100,000 in support of Panzi Hospital, which helps survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Chocolate
The global chocolate industry often relies on child labor, forced labor, and poverty wages. Equal Exchange’s cocoa is grown by small farmer co-ops in Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, under strict Fair Trade and labor standards. Even the sugar in their chocolate bars comes from a small farmer co-op in Paraguay, creating a fully ethical supply chain.
Why It Matters
Equal Exchange proves that business can be a force for good. Their success is built on solidarity—not charity—and their model connects consumers with the people behind their food. Every cup of coffee, bite of chocolate, or slice of avocado toast is a chance to support a system that values dignity, democracy, and sustainability.
As our Eat Local Challenge rolls on, we’re shining a bright Member Deals Spotlight on our friends at Old Road Farm! All of their glorious organic produce is 20% off for member-owners from September 10st – 16th! Read on to learn more about these VT farmers, the diverse experience they bring to this challenging profession, and their commitment to real organic farming:
Meet the Farmers
A transplant from New York, Gabby Tuite came to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont where she received a bachelor’s in Community Development and Applied Economics. While studying at UVM, she took an internship at the Shelburne Farms’ Market Garden where she first got her hands dirty and fell in love with farming. After UVM, Gabby worked at River Berry Farm for two seasons. Here she learned how to grow on a larger scale, taking note of the efficiencies required to run a profitable farm. Between growing seasons, Gabby has worked at the City Market Onion River-Coop as a Produce Buyer and Team Leader giving her insight into marketing and merchandising, supervising employees as well as the local food chain from a buyer’s perspective.
Gabby Tuite and Henry Webb
Henry Webb grew up with large vegetable gardens and has fond early memories of visiting his father working at the UVM dairy barn. Starting in his teens he spent eight seasons working for Last Resort Farm, a Certified Organic vegetable, berry, and hay farm. He learned to maintain and work on the farm’s equipment and infrastructure as well as organic vegetable farming practices. Henry also spent two years at New Village Farm where he worked with a small herd of Normandie cattle producing raw milk and beef. At New Village, he was given the opportunity to manage and expand the farm’s market garden and gained experience producing for a small CSA, a farm stand, and the Shelburne Farmers Market.
About the Farm
Gabby and Henry shared a dream of owning their own farm and first began their adventure in the Fall of 2015 on a quarter-acre plot in the old field below Henry’s childhood home in Monkton, Vermont, mostly growing vegetables for a few area farmer’s markets. In the Fall of 2019, they were able to secure their dream “forever farm” with the help of the Vermont Land Trust. This gorgeous farm is nestled in the fertile river valley of Granville, Vermont, surrounded by National Forest land.
They specialize in growing fresh, high-quality salad greens and seasonal vegetables for local markets with a deep commitment to the highest standards of ecologically sound, regenerative, and innovative vegetable production. Their produce is Certified Organic by VOF and they are also certified by the Real Organic Project, a grassroots, farmer-led movement created to distinguish soil-grown and pasture-raised products under USDA organic. Gabby and Henry share that they choose to be certified by the Real Organic Project (ROP) because their farming practices are inherently tied to the land and the soil that they farm.
Gabby shares that “In Vermont, we are really fortunate to have the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) and its certifying body, Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF), who share that commitment, but on a national level, we agree with the ROP that industrialization has in some ways diluted the intent of the organic label. We really don’t like to be critical of anyone’s farming practices, but there are currently things allowed under national standards that we don’t think fit people’s perception of what an organic farm is and we think that consumers have a right to an informed decision about what they are buying. We see our farm, our land, as not just a medium for production but a deeply complex living system that we ultimately bear the responsibility to steward. ROP is an advocate for that view.”
Here at the Co-op, you can find an abundant array of Old Road Farm’s produce, including spinach, chard, salad mix, arugula, collards, sweet peppers, cauliflower, radishes, patty pan squash, broccolini, watermelon, and scallions, each in their respective seasons. If you find yourself traveling Vermont’s iconic Route 100 through Granville, be sure to stop for a visit at their farmstand, where you can find a colorful mix of all the produce grown at their farm, which includes the usual lineup of goodies you can find at the Co-op, along with eggplant, tomatoes, squash, celery, and more!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
