The Middlebury Natural Foods Cooperative is a democratic, member-owned cooperative committed to providing healthy, competitively priced foods; encouraging ecologically sound and healthful patterns of production and consumption; and responding to members' needs accordingly. MNFC began in the early 1970s as a pre-order buying club. Its purpose was to provide members with wholesome, natural foods that were not available elsewhere. To maximize savings, members bought in bulk and packaged the food themselves. Over the last 30 years, the Co-op has expanded several times to include an extensive store-front operation that is open to members and the public seven days a week and includes a prepared foods section and deli with indoor and outdoor seating. As a cooperative we are owned by our members and our mission is to serve them in the communities in which they live, work, and shop, strengthening our communities through jobs, services, and community involvement.