Member Highlight: Rowan Sherwood, Community Relations and Marketing Manager at the Hunger Mountain Coop
How does a co-op differ from a regular grocery store?
We are a member-owned cooperative with over 9,000 members. That’s more than the population of Montpelier! Think about that – we are not owned by any one entity. Every one of those members has a stake in our future. That makes us responsive to customer needs. We work hard to provide the best customer service around, and tailor our product mix to what our customers want and expect. There is a list of over 80 banned ingredients that serve as a gateway for products, so you know certain things, like high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and irradiated foods won’t be found on our shelves.
We also bring a big focus to local products. We serve 423 Vermont vendors, and last year our sales of local products topped $11 million. That is a lot of money kept in our local economy!
Fun fact: last year we sold 78,611 pounds of local apples.
Anyone can shop at the Co-op. But members receive benefits, including special sales and discounts, patronage refunds and the ability to run for our governing body, or council. While we are a grocery store, we aim to be more than that for our community. We strive to be a community hub where people can know that their grocery choices are contributing to a thriving local and sustainable food system.
Tell us about some of the ways Hunger Mountain Coopp gives back to the community
It is part of our mission to give back to our community. There are several ways we do this. One is our Give Change program. Each month we designate a local organization doing work aligned with our mission as our Give Change recipient. Shoppers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or make a donation in any amount at the register that we then pass on to the organization. Examples of Give Change recipients include the Vermont Foodbank (now through Dec. 29), Mosaic Vermont, and Hunger Free Vermont.
We also have a robust donations and sponsorship program. We offer small donations to local groups, often in the form of a gift card for a raffle or snacks for an event. We usually have room in the budget for five to seven groups per month to receive a donation. Sponsorships are usually for higher dollar amounts, and we choose them based on the impact they have in the community. Examples include Montpelier Alive, for all the wonderful work they do to keep our town vibrant, the North Branch Nature Center, for the work they do to keep people connected to nature and the Montpelier Rec. Department, supporting youth sports.
We also give back to the community through our Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund. The HMCCF provides financial assistance to businesses, organizations, and initiatives aligned with our mission to build a dynamic community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, thriving cooperative commerce, and a more inclusive and anti-racist community. Since it’s inception in 2012, we have awarded over $115,000.
Any future plans for the Co-op you’d like to share?
We’ve had a lot of change at the Co-op over the last year, so we are in a very future-looking mode. And with the climate reality and the challenges that come with that sinking in, we are thinking a lot about resiliency. How can we ensure our continuity in the face of unknown obstacles? How can we be a resource for others in Montpelier? Can we utilize our network of members and suppliers to the benefit of something larger? Right now, we have more questions than answers. But stay tuned and get involved. The future needs all of us.
What do you like most about having the Co-op in Montpelier?
We love being in the capital city! It’s a destination for so many people, and the Co-op is a destination shopping spot. Folks can get all their needs met nearby – from groceries to hardware to fun gifts and a great meal. It’s nice to be in such a hub of activity.
What do you like most about Montpelier?
The Co-op is kind of a quirky place, and it feels like we fit right in with Montpelier’s vibe. I love how walkable downtown is. I love that you can go almost anywhere and see someone you know. I love all our unique traditions, like the Enchanted Forest and the All Species Day parade. I love being in a place with such a distinct personality.