Vermont is known for many things, New England architecture , maple syrup, and picturesque autumns.

When you live in this state, you'll also learn about the sustainable way you can get your groceries throughout the area.

Food co-ops are owned and governed by their shareholders, who usually live right in the community. As a result, these stores are a great way to combine economic value and social responsibility. You don't have to be a member to shop at these wonderful co-ops throughout Vermont, as recommended by our real estate agents.

• Brattleboro Food Co-op - 2 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301
  Founded in 1975 as a small buying club, Brattleboro Food Co-op underwent an extensive redevelopment in 2012. Today, the beautiful four-story building houses a 14,580-square-foot natural foods market and deli along with a commissary kitchen, cooking classroom, and the co-op offices. The convenient location, at the foot of Main Street in downtown Brattleboro, provides easy access to customers. Programs such as Bag-A-Bean, where customers who reuse bulk containers receive a fava bean representing a donation to a non-profit, help promote community awareness. The share price of $80 can be paid over 18 months. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at 9 a.m.
  
  
• Caledonia Food Co-op - P.O. Box 736, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
  Want to get in on the ground floor of a project that supports local growers and the Northeast Kingdom economy? Caledonia Food Co-op is working to provide a source of natural, artisanal, and international foods to the community. A group of local residents is spearheading this exciting start-up, which currently has more than 600 members signed up. Just $100 buys a share in the co-op and entitles everyone in your household to benefits. Visit the website for more information.
  
  
• City Market/Onion River Co-op - 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05401
  Co-ops have a number of features in common, most notably their guiding principles, but the business model of City Market/Onion River Co-op is unique. When Onion River Co-op leased land from Burlington to open their store, they agreed to sell a number of conventional foods as an affordable option for city residents. This became City Market, while Onion River Co-op continued to sell natural foods. There is a second location on Flynn Ave. in Burlington's South End. A full equity share is $200, which can be purchased with $15 annual payments. Both stores are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Hunger Mountain Co-op - 623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier, VT 05602
  During the 1960s, Plainfield Co-op was as much a social group as a source for groceries. Members frequently got together for pot lucks at picnics. In 1972, the co-op moved to Montpelier and became Hunger Mountain Co-op, which celebrates its golden anniversary this year with more than 10,000 shareholders. Sustainability and conservation are major priorities for the co-op, which recently installed a solar panel carport with an EV charging station in the parking lot. Membership is $180, which can be paid all at once or in annual installments of at least $15. Hunger Mountain Co-op is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op - 9 Washington St., Middlebury, VT 05753
  Like many others, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op began as a pre-order buying club back in the mid-1970s. Members bought food in bulk and packed the food themselves. Steady growth over more than 45 years resulted in a number of expansions, culminating in the current storefront that features a prepared foods and deli section with indoor and outdoor seating. Memberships are available for $20 a share, with a maximum of 15 shares. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Plainfield Co-op - 153 Main St., Plainfield, VT 05667
  While it was founded in 1972, Plainfield Co-op is a throwback to the days when general stores and similar shops served as social gathering places. Above the grocery store is a community center that's available for classes, workshops, and other public and private events. Any member of the community may rent the space for $15 per hour, with a $9 hourly fee for co-op shareholders. The center also serves as a gallery, spotlighting works from local artists. Share prices are $180, payable up front, or minimum installments of $20 per year. Plainfield Co-op is open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Sunday, which has a start time of 10 a.m.
  
  
• Putney Food Co-op - 8 Carol Brown Way, Putney, VT 05346
  The roots of Putney Food Co-op extend all the way back to 1941 when obtaining food was a challenge due to wartime fuel shortages. A group of residents led by Carol Brown assembled to form the co-op, and the street on which the storefront is located is named after Carol in her honor. The charming store includes a deli that features a make-your-own-sandwich option with your choice of bread, protein, cheese, spreads, and veggies. A hot bar and soup is also offered every day from noon - 4 p.m. Membership fee of $75 can be split into three payments. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

"Co-op" is short for "cooperative," which is a strong value in the communities around Vermont. Contact us at The Masiello Group for all your real estate needs.