At our Co-op, we celebrate Earth Day all year long. We do this by fulfilling our community’s needs for:
- An accessible, community-owned food market
- A marketplace that welcomes, serves, and connects community
- A healthy, sustainable food system
- The support of local farmers and producers
- Education to promote healthy living
- A strong, sustainable, and improving local economy
Throughout April, we reflect on steps we took this year to take charge of sustainability efforts at our Co-op:
Electric Vehicle DC Fast Chargers: We celebrated the grand opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in New Hampshire funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. The Trust awarded $308,710 for eligible project costs, and ReVision Energy was contracted for engineering and construction services.
The site hosts two Direct Current Fast Charging Stations and one Dual-Port Level 2 Charging Station, altogether capable of charging multiple electric vehicles at once while drivers take advantage of shopping and dining in the downtown area. Many thanks to Monadnock Sustainability Hub, ReVision Energy, Eversource NH, and all of the community partners that have supported this projected since its inception.
New Recycling for Customers: Customers may have noticed a new purple box in the front vestibule of the store. This bin marks the beginning phase of the Zero Waste Recycling Station, made possible by Trex Company. The bin is designated for soft plastics, including grocery bags, Ziplocs, case wraps (like those around paper towels), bubble wrap, air pillows, and more!
To learn more about Trex, visit their website. For any questions, feel free to email the Sustainability Coordinator at [email protected]. Let’s work together to reduce waste and promote sustainability! ♻️
Along with all of the exciting initiatives listed above, we thought it was a good time to talk about why food co-ops are great for our environment.
April also marks our 11th Anniversary and also the Regional Earth Festival on April 20, from 12 – 4 pm. This regional event takes place in and around downtown Keene and Monadnock Food Co-op. Join Monadnock Food Co-op and Monadnock Sustainability Hub to learn about what others are doing and making, buy delicious whole food, learn something new, enjoy performers and activities throughout the Co-op, Railroad Square, the bike path & amphitheater (behind the co-op) and maybe make a friend or two. Join others in our community to celebrate all the things we are doing well and renew our commitment to keep striving ever onward.
70+ Local Vendors!
Find local food, treasures, initiatives and schools from across the region in celebrating our community!
Rain Sticks!
Join Pam from Monadnock Food Co-op in creating rain sticks during Earth Fest! No RSVP is required, we welcome attendees to stop by her table and create their own rain sticks with her during the event!
Drive Electric!
Twice a year the Monadnock Sustainability Hub (MSH) puts on a welcoming Expo for Monadnock Region community members to find out about Electric Vehicles (EVs) directly from their neighbors who own them. Their Spring event will again take place adjacent to the Co-op, during Earth Festival. The Co-op is the host of the region’s first public fast chargers, and additional public Level 2 chargers! For more information please visit MSH’s event page.
If you would like to help the EV Team in the planning, promotion, or day-of event stages, please contact [email protected]
Earth Fest Film Screenings!
Join Monadnock Food Co-op and MONIFF for a day of free film screening in the co-op’s meeting room! The screenings will begin at 11 am and will be repeated later in the afternoon. Light refreshments will be offered and we welcome guests to bring their own! Find more information and learn about the films HERE!
Enjoy Live Music from Local Bands!
Earth Fest Clean-Up!
More information from our Board of Directors and Green Team to come!
Earth Fest BBQ from MFC’s Prepared Foods Team!
More information from our Prepared Foods team to come!
