Dear Members,
One of the strengths of a cooperative is that member voices truly matter, and the recent conversations surrounding member discounts and Member Appreciation Days (MAD) reinforced that. Thank you to everyone who shared thoughtful feedback, passion, and care regarding the recent changes. We heard clearly that the loss of flexibility created frustration for many members.
At the same time we reintroduced Member Appreciation Days (MAD), inflation climbed sharply and gas prices soared, placing additional financial strain on many in our community. Like many households and businesses, the Co-op is also experiencing rising costs across operations, products, and services. The recent discount structure was introduced as a trial intended to support the long-term health of the Co-op while also bringing back the sense of community connection that many members enjoyed through past MAD events. However, we heard clearly that members value the flexibility of using discounts when it works best for them. We remain committed to balancing the long-term health of the Co-op with our shared goal of keeping the Market welcoming, accessible, and affordable for our community.
After listening to member and staff feedback, the Board and Management have decided to rescind the restriction tying one monthly discount to Member Appreciation Days.
Starting on June 1, 2026, members will once again have two discretionary discounts each month that may be used at the time that works best for them.
We will continue to hold one Member Appreciation Day on the second Wednesday of each month — not as a discount mechanism, but as a genuine opportunity for our community to gather and connect.
Thank you for continuing to engage with us as we work to support both the long-term health of the Co-op and the community we serve.
With gratitude and in cooperation,
South Royalton Market Board of Directors
Misti Berry, President
Jenny Lane, Vice President
David Brandau, Co-Treasurer
Kip Bergstom, Co-Treasurer
Sara Dakin, Secretary
Bob Slattery
Cathy Lawson
Gordon Merrick
Peter Anderson
The MAD on May 27th was the last one with a discount tied to it.
June’s MAD will be on the 10th and be the first with no discount tied to it.
We are so very excited to let our community know that Member Appreciation Days (MADs) have returned! They take place on the second Wednesday of each month.
Before 2020, MAD was a monthly celebration of our members where local farmers and food producers held demos, there were free samples all over the store, and our community had the delightful opportunity to celebrate together, visit with neighbors, make new friends and connections, and talk with our staff.
Unlike before, one of your two monthly member discounts will not be tied to a MAD. Please read below to learn why we are excited to be bringing MAD back!
Beginning in March, SoRo Market is bringing back Member Appreciation Days (MAD). Each and every MAD will celebrate our customers, our members, and the wonderful community in which we’ve been operating since 2001. Just as in years past (pre-2020), MAD will feature free samples, snacks and local vendor demos. We are excited to bring back this popular regular Co-op event.
Congratulations goes out to John Dettwiler of SoRo, who won our $25 gift card giveaway on Member Appreciation Day on May 27th. Way to go John! If you are a Co-op member, you can be our next winner on our
Happy member appreciation day! We have had some great live demos today. Once Upon a Coconut was at the store earlier. Their products taste out of this world and have, healthy, short, ingredients lists. Upstate Elevator will be out in
It’s Member Appreciation Day tomorrow 5/13, and we are happy to announce that a representative from Morrill Mountain Fruit Farm in Strafford https://www.mmffvt.com/ will be in the store from 12-2PM sampling their fantastic Nanarella’s Fruit pâte that they make themselves from
Member Appreciation Days are monthly celebrations of our members and community, held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. They include free samples, snacks, and local vendor demos—just like before 2020.
Beginning in March, MADs will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Starting in June 2026, Members still receive two discounts per month, and they are not tied to Member Appreciation Days.
No. Blue members still receive 5%, Gold members still receive 15%, all other member benefits remain unchanged.
This is a return to a long-standing, pre-2020 Co-op practice. We’ll continue listening to member feedback and adjusting as needed.
Builds stronger member engagement, supports local producers, creates a more vibrant in-store experience, and reinforces the cooperative values that make SoRo Market special.
