Wow, 2024 was a busy and eventful year for our amazing Co-op. As we begin the New Year it is comforting to see how our community truly embodies the spirit of generosity, collaboration, and cooperation. As someone who tends to see the glass as half full, I plan to approach 2025 with a sense of cautious optimism, hoping for an even brighter year ahead than the one we just enjoyed together.
What better time than now to reflect on a few of the accomplishments from 2024? Our Round It Up program, along with various donations and sponsorships, made a big impact by contributing $103,015 to 101 wonderful community organizations this year. Our Farm Fund, which awarded $41,000 in grants, remains a vital resource for supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable food production. On the sustainability front, the Co-op expanded its waste diversion efforts to include both pre-and post-consumer waste and now recycles soft plastics—like bags and bubble wrap—through TREX, which turns them into outdoor benches and decking.
All of this amazing work has not gone unnoticed by the wider community. Congratulations to our remarkable General Manager and staff for the Co-op being named Business of the Year by Business NH Magazine in the retail/wholesaler category for its sustainability actions, community support, and general business for good initiatives!
As a proud Board Member and Member-Owner, I am thankful for my fellow Board Members and deeply appreciative of being part of this democratically run, Member-Owned, and operated business. We serve as a beacon for all that is good, prioritizing locally owned, grown, and produced goods, promoting healthy food choices in our community, and providing good-paying jobs, robust benefits, and a positive working environment. I also look forward to further exploring the possibility of expanding our Co-op and bringing all the wonderful aspects it has to offer to our neighboring community of Peterborough.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for your unwavering support as active Member-Owners. Your contributions are vital to our success! If you’d like to learn more about the Board’s work or have any questions, please feel free to email us at:
In Gratitude,
Dee Fitzgerald
Board of Directors, Monadnock Food Co-op
