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’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.
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!
We’re shining our Co-op Spotlight on Stonyfield this week to highlight their commitment to organic dairy, the family farmers that make it possible, and the Earth that sustains us. Member-owners can enjoy 20% off their full line of organic dairy products from July 30- August 5! Read on to learn more about Stonyfield’s history and mission and their commitment to Vermont organic dairy farmers:
History:
While Stonyfield is best known for making yogurt, yogurt wasn’t the way the founders of Stonyfield thought they’d change the world. In 1983, Stonyfield co-founders Samuel Kaymen and Gary Hirshberg were simply trying to help family farms survive, protect the environment, and keep food and food production healthy through their nonprofit organic farming school.
Just to keep things running, the duo started putting their farm’s seven cows to work making yogurt. They knew they were making a healthy food grown with care; what they didn’t expect was how much people would love it.
People went crazy for the yogurt from Samuel and Gary’s little farm school, and the two knew they had found a way to make a real difference. With this yogurt business, the two organic farming teachers could show the whole world that a company could make healthy, delicious food without relying on toxic chemicals that harm the environment and public health.
So, the two went all-in on yogurt and, over 30 years later, the folks at Stonyfield continue to honor the example their founders set. They’re still located in New Hampshire, just 30 miles east of the old farm. And now, their organic ingredient purchases support a huge network of food producers made up of hundreds of organic family farms, thousands of organic cows, and over 200,000 organic acres!
They‘ve also pioneered planet-friendly business practices—from offsetting emissions at their production facility to making yogurt cups from plants instead of petroleum to making their own renewable energy, and much more.
The thought and passion that started Stonyfield Organic in the first place have only grown stronger, and they’ve never stopped working for healthy food, healthy people, and a healthy planet.
Commitment to Organic:
Stonyfield’s products are all 100% certified organic – made without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. Eating organic isn’t just good for you and your family, it’s straight up good for other people and the planet. One of the main goals of organic farming practices is to avoid contamination of our precious soil, rivers, drinking water, and air with toxic persistent chemicals. This also means that organic farmers, farmworkers, and their neighbors aren’t exposed to potentially carcinogenic herbicides. Organic agriculture not only means less dependence on fossil fuels, but it can also actually help reduce climate change. It’s estimated that converting all of America’s cropland to organic would have the same carbon-reducing effect as taking 217 million cars off the road!
There is also compelling evidence to support the notion that organic dairy is more nutritious than its conventional counterpart. Why? Because it comes from cows that are actively grazing on grass, as nature intended. Organically raised cows spend their days outside on pasture so the milk they produce is significantly higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), heart-healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. There is a lot to be learned and said about organic farming, and Stonyfield hopes you will join them in the journey towards healthier, more resilient food systems.
Saving our Region’s Organic Dairy Farms:
In the fall of 2021, Danone, the parent company of Horizon Organic, announced it would stop buying milk from 28 farms in Vermont and a total of 61 in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. The deadline was originally set for August of 2022, but it was later extended to February 2023. Shortly thereafter, 46 organic family farms in eastern New York received similar notices from their processor Maple Hill Creamery. The 135 termination notices placed a large percentage of the region’s organic dairy farms in financial jeopardy and created an urgent wake-up call for our region. Unless we take swift action, our hard-working family farms – and the promise of a climate-positive, secure food system supported by their organic methods – will face dire consequences.
Stonyfield quickly sprang into action, launching an internal task force of senior company leaders to work alongside various state departments of agriculture, nonprofit organizations, retailers, and institutional food customers to find ways to keep more of these farms alive and in business. Stonyfield ultimately agreed to take on five of those contracts and was active in forming in the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP) to help increase commitments from both consumers and retailers to purchase locally-produced organic milk in an effort to maintain a viable market for these farmers. Organic Valley also stepped up in a big way, offering membership to 90 of the farms affected by the contract losses. Stonyfield accepts milk through Organic Valley and directly from farmers as part of its Direct Supply Program. The farmers dropped by Danone will be part of Stonyfield’s Direct Supply Program, and new farmers’ contracts will look the same as the company’s contracts with current farmers.
We are grateful to Stonyfield and others who have stepped up in such a big way to support our region’s organic dairy farms! We’re also grateful to consumers who are committed to supporting our region’s organic dairy farms. Our friends at NOFA-VT said it best: “by purchasing certified organic milk and dairy products, you’re supporting farmers who feed Vermonters, steward our land, and provide a massive cultural and economic value to Vermont’s rural communities.”
This week our Member Deals Spotlight shines on Late July products! All of their products are 20% off for member-owners from July 23-29. Read on to learn more about them:
Late July is named for that sweet spot of summer when life feels simple, pure & good and it’s also their philosophy on snack-making. They believe that the best parties need a few simple things — great friends, good stories and delicious food! At Late July, these three things always come together around a big bowl of delicious tortilla chips. That is why they take so much care in using the highest quality ingredients without sacrificing on taste. They care deeply about using organic and non-GMO ingredients and making chips for everyone at the party.
Their snacks stand out in a crowded snack aisle, not just because of their delicious taste, but also because of their commitment to sourcing the highest quality organic and non-GMO ingredients that are free of toxic persistent pesticides, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. You’ll find a variety of gluten-free, vegan, Kosher and nut-free offerings to please every palate.
They hope that you enjoy eating their snacks as much as they enjoy making them!
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.
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!
Our Member Deals Spotlight is beaming on Red Hen Baking Company! Member-owners can enjoy 20% off their full line of freshly baked breads from May 14-20. Read on to learn more about this wonderful local bakery that’s been turning out fresh organic bread 7 days a week for over 20 years!
History
The folks at Red Hen Baking Company are guided by a belief that pure, uncomplicated ingredients and the hands of skilled artisans are the building blocks for great food. Their bakery sprouted from humble beginnings with a staff of 8 on Route 100 in Duxbury, VT back in 1999. They were committed to using organic ingredients since the very beginning and became an established presence in the area’s many cooperative and independent food stores. Their bread was beginning to appear at more and more of the area’s finest restaurants and they became mainstays of the Montpelier and Waitsfield Farmers’ Markets. To this day, these venues still make up the core of their wholesale business.
After 8 years of hard work in Duxbury and a seasoned staff that had grown to over 20 employees (many of whom are still with the bakery today), they had the opportunity to move 5 miles down the road to the neighboring town of Middlesex. It was here that they established their new baking facility in a building constructed especially for their purposes with an attached café in a renovated building that housed the former Camp Meade Diner.
Their café has become known as a local destination and gathering place where people can enjoy not only the bread they’re so well known for, but also their increasingly lauded pastries, sandwiches, and soups. To supplement their own creations, the cafe also features beer, wine, and specialty food from near and far. Next time you’re cruising through Middlesex, be sure to stop in!
Although Red Hen has grown considerably since those early days in Duxbury, they remain dedicated to creating the very best food from the best possible ingredients. You can’t make great food without great flour (or potatoes or seeds or meal, as the case may be), so a great deal of time and energy is spent sourcing the very best of these items. In many cases, the folks at Red Hen are closely acquainted with the farmers and millers that are responsible for producing the raw materials used for baking their breads. In fact, over 90% of all the flour they use comes from two farmers within 150 miles of the bakery. Each year, 430,000 lbs of local wheat go into their breads!
Members of the Red Hen Baking Crew visiting Les Cedres farm in Quebec where some of the organic grain for their bread is grown.
They employ methods that are as old as bread making itself and these processes guide their days at the bakery. This method of slow fermentation produces a complexity of flavor, a chewy texture, helps the bread to keep longer, and even adds to its nutritive value. Each loaf is then formed by hand and baked in a hearth oven. The Red Hen family of breads runs the gamut from dense whole grain varieties to light and airy ciabatta and everything in between.
Red Hen Baker Randy unloading fresh baked baguettes
Giving Back
Like any good hen, the folks at Red Hen feel a responsibility to do what they can to nurture the community that has nurtured them. There is never a shortage of work to be done and there are so many good organizations doing that work, but each year their staff selects a few organizations that they would like to support. Last year they directed over $26,000 to the following organizations doing work both close to home and further afield:
To learn more about Red Hen Baking, check out their web page! You can view their cafe menu, read all about their diverse bread offerings, and find great tips for storing your bread to maximize freshness.
We invite you to check out this month’s featured Co-op Connection Business — Middlebury Fitness! Flash your Co-op member-owner card and you’ll receive 50% off the enrollment fee and your first class or workout is FREE! Read on to learn more about what this community wellness center has to offer:
Middlebury Fitness is a community health and wellness center founded in 1997 that puts its members’ needs first. Their facility features a wide variety of the most current strength and cardio equipment by the leading brands in the industry. Is group fitness your thing? They offer a variety of live and remote programs and group fitness classes to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of their member base, ranging from ages 13 to 93. Click here for their class calendar and descriptions. Other services and amenities include personal training, sport-specific athletic performance training, nutrition consultations with Registered Dietician Amy Rice of Champlain Nutrition Solutions, and more!
The crew at Middlebury Fitness is incredibly proud to be so active in this great community and annually receives recognition and awards for various initiatives. For the past four consecutive years, they have received the United Way of Addison County’s “Partner Award” for an annual event that has raised $60,000 for our local friends and families in need since 2014. Wow!! They were also the 2018 recipients of the prestigious BOB (Best of Business) award in the Health Club category by Vermont Business Magazine.
At Middlebury Fitness they understand that you have options when it comes to your health and fitness needs. They aim to meet and exceed their members’ expectations every day and believe they have some of the most attentive, caring, professional, and knowledgeable instructors, personal trainers, and staff you will find. Their ultimate goal at Midd Fit is to ensure that each of their members achieves their personal fitness goals while experiencing exceptional customer service in a supportive atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
If you are a current member, they’d like to extend a sincere THANK YOU for being a part of the Midd Fit family! If you are not yet a member, please visit and let Middlebury Fitness guide you through your fitness journey today! And don’t forget to mention that you’re a Co-op member-owner!
