The Co-op began in the early 1970s as a pre-order buying group whose goal was to buy wholesome, natural foods that were not available elsewhere, at low cost. Members got together for potluck dinners and ordered food in bulk, then distributed it to the various households. Each member was responsible for bringing labeled containers to eliminate packaging costs. Members donated not only their time and space, but also their trucks, vans, and gas to pick up and distribute goods.

As the Co-op grew, members rented a barn where they stored and divided up the food. Next, a small store was opened in the old Middlebury train depot, still using volunteer labor, and pre-ordering continued as well.

The first step away from total volunteer labor was the hiring of a co-management team to run the store. In addition to pre-order, the management placed orders so storefront customers could rely on greater product availability.

The group formed a board of directors and incorporated as a business on June 2, 1976. Eventually the Board decided to move the store to a larger space on Washington Street. A store manager, a pre-order manager, and three additional employees were hired. With strong growth in both the store and pre-order sales, membership grew to over 900 families. Members were required to work as part of their membership commitment, and both the store and pre-order relied heavily on member work. Depending upon the number of hours worked, members received a 10 to 20 percent discount on their purchases. The system, subject to the availability of workers and seasonal ups and downs, was challenging at times.

In 1984 the Co-op expanded and doubled its retail space. Pre-order and store operations became the responsibility of one general manager. Pre-order was still run separately from the store, but supplies and volunteer labor were shared to a greater extent. As people began pre-ordering less and shopping in the store more, pre-order eventually ended. Sales continued to grow rapidly.

In the mid 1980s the Co-op introduced a membership card to verify membership and validate volunteer hours worked, a mandatory three hours per quarter. With the introduction of this change membership dropped from 900 to 500 members. Many people were unable to fulfill the work requirement and discontinued their memberships, but remained faithful shoppers.

Over the years, as the Co-op grew and the business became more complex, more changes were made to the membership structure and work requirements. Although membership shrank, consistent and reliable volunteers emerged as well.

In June of 1993 MNFC introduced the current membership structure, which is more inviting to those who wish to be a part of the Co-op organization but do not have the time or desire to volunteer in the store. Co-op members receive a 2 percent discount on their purchases and may take advantage of members-only sales and specials. Members who choose to work receive an additional 8 percent discount.

In 1994 the Co-op finished its second major expansion and moved from an annual membership fee to a share system. Members become Co-op Partners by purchasing one $20 share per year up to the maximum of $300, or pay for 15 shares all at once.

A decade later, growth again necessitated an expansion. A new store was opened at 9 Washington Street, near the old location, in October 2004. The retail space doubled and a kitchen was added so the Co-op could offer prepared foods and a deli.

MNFC continues to thrive, and we look forward to many more years in our healthy community! Thank you, members!