Hunger Mountain Co-op — Local services in Montpelier

I've been shopping here since I was a teenager. I've always loved the selections of fresh organic produce. I love the deli and basically everything about the store. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because of the lack of produce research done for some of the "organic" produce that is being sold. I recently found out that the honeycrisp apples are coated with a product called Apeel, which is controversial and has very little reputable research behind it. If you go to their website they are NOT very transparent in how they make Apeel, they only keep repeating that it's "safe". Not sure how anything can be called organic with substances being added to it that are not considered organic. I would have preferred if this had been disclosed on the label, however it is not. Like GMO's used to be, large corporations feel like they don't need to disclose this to consumers because it's supposedly "safe". I have a right to know what I'm ingesting and a right to make the choice not to buy it, however if I don't know then that's taking that right away from me. Very disappointed in the store right now and the produce manager who allowed this to go unchecked. Unfortunately I'm now very concerned about what else is being sold in the store. It is really saddening that even the "health food" stores are not reliable as they once were for clean food sources. If no one is reliable, then why am I shopping at a place that is supposed to be healthy and have high quality products? I don't mind the prices as long as I'm getting quality and transparency....

This is a great place to find local foods, sustainable products, and to grab a bite to eat. They also do Catering and you can order things in bulk from them just by going to the front desk. The Cheese selection is well complimented by a wide array of craft libations, from wine to artesian ice cider to some rather popular local beers like Heady Topper. Prices are a bit higher than at Shaw's for some things, but overall the quality is superior, and you can actually make a day trip to see many of the producers in person. (A great Idea if you have children) There's also a great Membership program that's only $15 per year, which makes you eligible for some really good discounts on some of the very tasty, but a bit expensive for everyday shopping, foods. As well has sustainabily sourced/produced goods. Like PACT Cotton goods produced by women making a living wage in India, from sustainable cotton production methods. Another reason to buy is the cotton is extremely soft, and really durable. Another thing about HMC is that you are supporting a community resource that actually keeps your dollars right here helping those in need every day. It is a way to do something good for your community as well as to get some great stuff that won't...

Great selection, good prices, very clean, awesome that they are supporting mostly local and organic products. Clean parking lot and stocked shelves. As a co-op grocery store, a fantastic place.

However, I'm genuinely disappointed that a store with these kinds of standards and regard for quality and health would still have a mandatory mask policy and customer limits, despite it no longer being enforced by the State of Vermont.

It was somewhat excuseable to have the policy in place (under duress) during the period of lockdowns and restrictions. But to continue to enforce them now (until July 5th) goes against everything this store seems to stand for. One would assume that a business focused on healthy food and lifestyle choices would be the first to celebrate the end of asinine restrictions.

Most other businesses in Montpelier have optional or encouraged mask policies and no reduced limits on occupancy. From what I read, the store hasn't recognized medical or religious mask exemptions either. So much for inclusivity and tolerance.

It really cancels out all the "pros" to see a business such as this voluntarily resort to continue enforcing...