The Putney Food Co-op is one of the oldest co-ops in the country. It was founded in 1941, when fuel shortages due to World War II made it hard to obtain certain grocery items. To get needed supplies, a group of Putney citizens, led by Carol Brown, formed the Putney Co-op according to the Cooperative Principles. Cash raised from selling member shares was used to rent a store front (purchased in 1944), obtain goods, and hire staff.
Today the Putney Food Co-op is a community-owned market and delicatessen offering a diverse selection of quality products, friendly and knowledgeable service, in a convenient location with easy parking. Our store features:
- Fresh organic and local produce
- Organic, humanely raised and local meats, poultry, eggs and Vermont dairy products
- Fresh and frozen seafood
- Environmentally responsible cleaning supplies and paper goods.
- Health and body care products and vitamins
- Gourmet cheeses from Vermont, New England, and around the world
- Bulk nuts, grains, baking supplies
- Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas
- Micro-brewed beer and hand selected wines
- Hearty sandwiches made to order in the deli, homemade soups, salads and baked goods
- Gluten-free selections in every aisle
To accommodate the growing needs of our community, the co-op membership voted in 1992 to move the store from its original site on Kimball Hill to our present location on Main Street. We are located just off of Exit 4, I-91, in Southeast Vermont.