Locally owned businesses, especially ones working towards a more environmentally sustainable and socially just economy, help us keep “the green” in our communities.
The Local Crowd Monadnock invites you to celebrate these businesses during Choose Indie Sustainable Month in March. We’re teaming up with partners across North America to spotlight independent, locally owned businesses that support our neighbors, neighborhoods, and planet.
Here are just a few examples of Monadnock Region businesses and organizations that inspire us.
Owner Marty Castriotta shared the launch of Earthcraft Design LLC, the design and installation arm of Village Roots Permaculture in Alstead. Permaculture uses ecological principles to design and regenerate healthy, productive landscapes and communities. Earthcraft specializes in edible landscapes, ecological restoration, agroforestry services, water solutions, and farm infrastructure. They cultivate food security in our region by increasing the production of perennial crops, regional food aggregation, and processing.
Earthcraft Design LLC in Alstead is one example of a Monadnock Region business that supports our neighbors, neighborhoods, and planet. In this photo, owner Marty Castriotta captures the bounty of locally grown Seaberry, a perennial crop with nutrient-dense berries that taste like orange, mango, and pineapple. (Photo by Marty Castriotta.)
Visit Earthcraft’s work in Keene, such as the outdoor edible cafe at Brewbakers, featuring gardens, water-catchment features, benches, planters, and an arbor made from local hemlock and white cedar. (Brewbakers’ kitchen regularly uses the fresh herbs and vegetables from their outdoor cafe.) While partially dismantled for the winter, the space will be back up by May 1.
Also, visit the growing forest garden at the Hundred Nights Shelter. This year, Earthcraft will work with the Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene and the Frost Free Library in Marlborough on projects. Stay tuned! What comes next for Earthcraft? “We are in transition,” Marty shared. “But the goal is the same: to keep painting the picture of what change looks like and to help people see what is possible. The work is about connection—between people, systems, and generations. If we can keep that alive, the land will keep feeding us.”
The Monadnock Sustainability Hub will soon launch the Electrify Monadnock Fund, an exciting new, homegrown rebate program that empowers low- to moderate-income Monadnock Region residents to make their homes cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient by supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. The Electrify Monadnock Fund helps make home electrification accessible to everyone, ensuring that our region leads the way in local climate solutions.
SAVE THE DATE: The Monadnock Sustainability Hub invites Monadnock Region homeowners to its Electrify Monadnock Fund Launch Event on Saturday, May 30.
Qualified homeowners can receive up to $7,000 in rebates for home energy-efficiency projects, including the installation of solar panels, heat pumps, and electric appliances, as well as weatherization, electrical panel upgrades, and electric vehicle upgrades.
Sign up for updates!
"The Hub is excited to officially launch our Electrify Monadnock Fund, a privately funded rebate program —with over $400,000 in donations so far—to help our neighbors make a wide range of clean energy upgrades," said Program Manager, Rachel Ranelli. "This program is here to make the process of electrifying your home within reach."
Over 5,000 community members own Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene—truly a locally owned business! While everyone can shop at Monadnock Food Co-op, Member-Owners receive additional benefits, including quarterly discounts, patronage refunds, and the ability to vote for members of the board of directors.
Each year, the Co-op measures the store’s fossil fuel use, waste-reduction efforts, community contributions, and more. Some highlights from last year: the Co-op supported 334 local farmers and producers with $8.7 million in local sales. Their solar panels generated over 58,000 kWh of energy, and their EV chargers powered the equivalent of 244,000 miles driven by an average gas-powered passenger vehicle. They composted 68,687 gallons of waste and gave 8,682 gallons to local farmers for animal feed.
“Our Co-op was formed by and is owned by our amazing community, who are dedicated to strengthening our local systems and supporting one another,” said General Manager Michael Faber. “We are so grateful for our Member-Owners, staff, and community partners for fostering sustainability at the heart of everything we do.”
Created in 1945, the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources through technical, financial, and educational assistance: cheshireconservation.org. Most recently, they received funding to expand their Farm Future Fund that works directly with New Hampshire farms and land trusts to conserve more acres of active farmland and support farmers with technical assistance.
They also partner closely with the New Hampshire Food Bank on the Cheshire County Conservation District Granite State Market Match (GSMM). This program allows SNAP/EBT users to double the value of their benefits when shopping at participating farmers' markets, CSAs, and farm stands in New Hampshire. Since 2011, the program provided $294,679.26 to Cheshire County farms. GSMM increases access to affordable, local food for SNAP participants while delivering economic benefits to participating vendors, farmers, and host communities. “Working for an organization that prioritizes understanding the intricacies of the natural world with economic and modern realities has been extremely informative and inspiring,” said Nina Branwen, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator. “As we adapt to the ever-changing realities of the world and conservation efforts, we plan to continue strengthening our relationships with our community and the land that sustains us all through our educational programming and grants, with a continued focus on soil, water, wildlife, and farm viability."
The Monadnock Conservancy works to protect the Monadnock Region’s working farms, forests, wetlands, and natural spaces. In the past six months, the organization has conserved roughly 200 acres in Westmoreland, Antrim, and West Swanzey, bringing the total to over 24,000 acres conserved since 1989.
The Conservancy also offers ways for you to engage with land conservation and the land more generally. In the Spring and Fall, they offer a walking group called the Cheshire Walkers for seniors or anyone who prefers a slower pace and plenty of socializing. The Conservancy recently hired Kate Witte as community engagement manager to deepen the local community’s connection to conserved land through impactful, educational workshops and events. “The Monadnock Region remains resilient thanks to the individuals and communities who care to protect the landscapes that offer us all so much,” shared Amanda Littleton, executive director. “This foresight to prioritize conservation will ensure farmland continues to provide bounty, our water sources remain clean and plentiful, and our infrastructure is protected by intact wetlands and floodplains. We are committed to conserving the most vital resources that provide wildlife habitat as well as recreational landscapes that enrich our lives. We plan to continue to increase the pace of these conservation efforts to ensure future generations have the opportunity to share in the same love for the land.”
When we Choose Indie Sustainable, we do so much more than just shop — we bank, invest, create, and donate to amplify the ripple effect of the economic and community benefits we receive when we support our local economy. Together, we build strong local, equitable, and sustainable economies.
Choose Black-Owned Month hopes to inspire you to support independent Black-owned businesses and celebrate diversity. Since 2022, over 200 partners have joined this campaign—from California to New Hampshire, and from Canada to Texas. While the federal government condemns such efforts, we believe we can still build stronger, diverse, inclusive, and equitable local economies at the grassroots level.
While all entrepreneurs face significant challenges, building a business is even more difficult for Black business owners across the country. Black-owned businesses receive less financing than businesses owned by other races. In 2022, the Federal Reserve reported that 35% of white business owners received all the funding they requested from a bank, compared to 16% of Black business owners.
Learn More
Even when firms have good credit scores, studies show that Black business owners are less likely to receive full funding compared to white-owned firms. This lack of capital holds back revenue growth and employment for that individual business owner and, through the multiplier effect, community wealth building in the broader local economy. One report noted that closing the wealth gap could add $2–$3 trillion in annual growth to the US economy.
Supporting Black-owned businesses does not mean abandoning others; it means working to level the playing field for all. That’s why making a concerted effort to purchase from and invest in Black-owned businesses has such a profoundly positive impact on local communities.
Much of the work to cultivate Black-owned businesses in our region lies beneath the soil, invisible to most. Let’s bring some of this work to the surface by highlighting one organization working hard in New England, the Black Farmer Fund.
Since 2020, the Black Farmer Fund (BFF) has invested over $14 million in 14 Black-owned farm and food businesses in New England, intending to deploy $40 million across 75 investments within 10 years.
“When we initially started the organization, we looked at the USDA research,” said Olivia Watkins, Co-Founder and President of the Black Farmer Fund. “When you look at net cash, farm income, for example, in the 2017 numbers, Black farmers were making around negative $906, while other farmers were making $42,000. That was a really stark distance that we saw across the Northeast.”
The organization offers rapid response and capacity-building funds to build a brighter future for Black farmers. An integral part of BFF’s mission is to involve community members in the investment process. Local farmers and food business owners participate in the fund’s selection committees, helping decide who receives capital and other technical assistance.
One of the most exciting things about the Black Farmer Fund is that everyday investors, those shut out of accredited investor-only opportunities, can invest in this fund. That means I can invest $1,000 in BFF at a 3% interest rate for 5 years, putting my money to work for a mission I believe in.
Learn more about investing in the Black Farmer Fund
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery in Winchester represents one of the beneficiaries of the Black Farmers Fund. This family-owned business offers locally made whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, moonshine, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
“Our spirits are cultivated from local products that spur local agriculture and sustainability,” states the distillery’s website. “We ferment and distill ‘on the grain,’ drawing out the subtle, unique flavor profiles of our locally grown ingredients. As a reflection of our dedication to creating superior spirits, our products are crafted in small-scale batches and manufactured using only high-quality food sources.”
Learn more about New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery
At AMIBA’s next virtual meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 1 pm, join Olivia Watkins and learn more about how the Black Farmer Fund cultivates a thriving and sustainable food system for people and the planet.
Register today!
We hope to see you there!
This Valentine’s Day show your “local love” — love for your sweetie and your whole community — by purchasing gifts (or gift-making supplies) and meals (or ingredients) at locally owned businesses. Last year, Americans spent $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day. Imagine if we shifted some of that spending to locally owned businesses!
Locally owned businesses offer us much to love. They strengthen our local economy, culture and wellbeing. Independent businesses re-circulate four times more money in our community than chain stores. Moreover, studies show that most new jobs are created by small businesses — meaning today’s local Valentines are tomorrow’s jobs.
Here are some extra special ways to show your local love this Valentine’s Day:
While you and I can decide to move our money from a big bank to a community bank or credit union to support our local economy, it can be harder for local and state governments to do the same.
Smaller banks may lack the capacity to serve the needs of large government accounts, forcing governments to deposit public funds into larger private banks. These private banks, legally obligated to maximize profits for their shareholders, overwhelmingly invest in Wall Street over Main Street. Some states and regions are exploring an alternative—a model called a public bank—to offer local governments an alternative to private banks.
“Local public banks would enable local governments to divest public money from Wall Street and reinvest in community needs,” states Andy Morrison at the New Economy Project, which leads Public Bank NYC. “Each year, New York counties and municipalities collect many billions of dollars, including revenue from taxes and other sources, to fund public services. Most of this money currently is placed on deposit with private, commercial banks, including banks that systematically harm New Yorkers through redlining and predatory lending, and by financing fossil fuels, speculative real estate, and other destructive industries.”
Once established, a government deposits its funds into its public bank. It then earns interest on those funds until it is ready to reinvest them in the community. Public banks also lend their funds to community banks and credit unions for projects aligned with the government’s community economic development goals. Interest earned on these loans is reinvested in the community rather than being funneled out of the region. Public banks also match loans from smaller community banks or credit unions, boosting a community’s access to capital.
“Public banks partner—rather than compete—with local banks and credit unions to drive responsible lending and expand affordable financial services,” continued Andy. “Successful public banks exist around the world, and studies show they frequently outperform commercial banks in terms of safety, accountability, and profitability. In fact, countries with public banks have been shown to be more resilient than those without them.”
While public banks exist in countries around the world, there’s currently only one state in the United States with one. No, it’s not in Vermont—but North Dakota. In 1919, the Bank of North Dakota (BND) was formed in response to its farmers facing foreclosure by out-of-state banks offering predatory loans. Throughout the years, BND has helped North Dakota weather economic storms—from the banking crisis of 2008 (North Dakota was the only state holding a significant budget surplus in 2009 and ranked number one for the lowest unemployment, foreclosure, and default rates) to the most recent federal government shutdown (North Dakota rolled out the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program, a food assistance package, and a debt refinancing program for farmers). The Public Banking Institute describes a public bank as a “First responder in a crisis, not a profiteer.” Proponents of public banking note that BND has also cultivated a strong banking ecosystem, as evidenced by the state boasting the highest number of local banks and credit unions per capita in the US. BND keeps these community banks and credit unions lending even when larger private banks cut off lending. In 2024, BND earned $200.4 million in net income and held $10.8 billion in assets, reinvesting a majority of its funds in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Learn more about BND’s history.
The Public Banking Institute describes BND as a “bankers’ bank which means they partner with local North Dakota banks to help them with liquidity and capitalization, rather than providing checking accounts for individuals (although it does have a few private depositors). The focus is on making loans that serve state and community needs, such as building infrastructure and supporting local businesses.” Our New Year’s Resolution includes learning more about public banks. Is this a model a good fit for New Hampshire? Following are some questions we want to dive deeper into (And thank you to the community members who have shared their opposing perspectives on public banking so far—please keep them coming!):
Let the learning continue! Aside from public banks, we look forward to learning more about how community banks and credit unions can help us re-circulate more of our money locally and incentivize investing in local businesses. Let us know your thoughts at jen@thelocalcrowd.com. Happy New Year!
The Shop Indie Local Holiday Season, part of the Choose Indie Local movement, is here and calls for action that extends well beyond shopping locally. Our campaign also encourages you to give back to local nonprofits, neighbors, and the initiatives you care about. While every act of generosity counts, the generosity multiplies when we give where we live.
The generosity will overflow on GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, on December 2.
“The idea behind GivingTuesday was to set aside a single day to counter consumerism by giving back,” shared organizers. “GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: A day that encourages people to do good. Over 13 years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer, and spread awareness. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.”
Not sure how to get involved? You could donate an hour of your skills to a local organization or a neighbor in need. Think about what you’re good at and offer a bit of your time. Or check out more inspiration.
One nonprofit, Lasagna Love, shared its recipe for cultivating kindness and community on GivingTuesday: Kindness is the base. Add a dash of simplicity and welcoming—mix in relationship-building, and a healthy dose of humor.
“Simple actions, like simple ingredients, can spark something brighter than you ever imagined,” Andria Larson, Executive Director of Lasagna Love. “Thank a local nonprofit with a quick note or social post (don’t forget to tag them!). Check in on someone you haven’t heard from and let them know you’re thinking of them. Look someone in the eyes and smile—a small gesture that says, I see you. Hold the door and say hello, compliment someone’s shoes, or leave a note admiring a neighbor’s decorations.”
Your generosity gives back to our community, but also to you! Research shows that the joy of giving remains bright, while the joy of getting fades quickly.
Monadnock United Way will launch a $15,000 challenge grant from John and Jean Hoffman and Guyer & Son Roofing. For every dollar donated, the challenge grant will match it up to $30,000. Stay tuned!
“Behind every donation is a story—a child learning in a safe environment, a family rebuilding stability, a neighbor who knows they’re not alone,” shared Monadnock United Way staff. “Your gift isn’t just a donation. It’s dignity. It’s hope. It’s local impact that lasts. Join us on December 2 and be part of something meaningful.”
Learn more about GivingTuesday in the Monadnock Region at tlcmonadnock.com/givingtuesday.
Together, we're generating ripples that create new jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity—what a gift! Thank you again for supporting the Choose Indie Local movement.
"Plaid Friday and Shop Indie Local events are wonderful reminders of how strong our community can be when we come together to support local businesses,” said Elizabeth Hamshaw, General Manager of The Cheshire Horse. “We believe that shopping local is more than finding unique products; it’s about investing in the people and places that make the Monadnock Region such a special place to live. These events give us a chance to connect with our customers, celebrate small businesses, and keep our local economy thriving." As many of us share gifts and meals with friends, family, and coworkers this holiday season, we can also give a gift to our entire community and keep our local economy thriving. From our Thanksgiving meal to our New Year's Eve celebration, let’s Shop Indie Local and purchase more of our holiday gifts and celebration needs from our friends and neighbors—locally owned business owners. Our purchases will keep on giving well into the New Year and beyond!
When we purchase gifts at a locally owned store, the store’s owner and employees are more likely to buy products and services from other locally owned businesses, circulating our dollars through our local economy. As our dollars pass between our neighbors’ hands, without leaving our region, the more income, wealth, and jobs grow in our community.
Local, independent retail businesses help employ many more people than those on the sales floor. They’re more likely to bank with local banks and buy from other local businesses than chain stores. They’re also more likely to hire local service providers like accountants, graphic designers, and various skilled positions—jobs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Local nonprofit organizations depend on contributions from local businesses. This support extends to civic institutions like schools, churches, and fraternal leagues that aid economic prosperity, community cohesion, and trust.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our community,” said TEAM Jaffrey Executive Director Tara Castiglioni. “They are the first ones to contribute to any events. They are families, so when you shop local, you’re directly supporting a family—who put their children in different activities, eat locally, and shop locally. It’s a cycle of reciprocity that keeps our town going.”
The week after Thanksgiving is a super busy one for the Shop Indie Local movement as we celebrate Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, Cider Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Learn more!
For the sixteenth year, independent businesses and community members in the Monadnock Region will celebrate Plaid Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year's event falls on Friday, November 28, 2025. Wear plaid on Friday to show your support for our local economy and commitment to buying local this holiday season.
Learn More: Plaid Friday
Be sure to visit the locally owned businesses that have volunteered to serve as Plaid Friday Hubs this year. Hubs pledge to photograph you decked out in plaid and answer questions about Plaid Friday. TLC Monadnock will post all Plaid Friday photos throughout the day on our Facebook page.
Find a Hub Near You
"We love being a community hub for holiday spirit because it is so fun and rewarding—watching people share moments and enjoy themselves,” shared Deb Johnson, owner of The She Shed in Swanzey. “Shoppers and our friendly team come together as friends. We get to know them and share what brings them joy. Joy, for us, equals Your Happy Place for local shopping this holiday season."
While Plaid Friday overshadows Small Business Saturday in our region, we encourage everyone to celebrate this event, too. No matter how you get involved, every little bit makes a big difference.
November 30 is Artists Sunday, an art shopping movement of over 4,500 artists and organizations coming together to encourage consumers to shop with their favorite local artists and makers during the holiday season. Think of it as Plaid Friday but for the arts. Learn more!
“Art brings a unique and personal touch to gift-giving, and with Artists Sunday, shoppers can truly feel connected to the work they purchase,” said Cynthia Freese, co-founder of Artists Sunday. “This event empowers local artists, fosters economic growth, and inspires people to value the beauty that comes from creativity and craftsmanship.”
Instead of Cyber Monday, a day when online merchants offer special deals, we invite you to Cider Monday. On December 1, stop in for free cider from participating Cider Monday businesses. Also, if you choose to shop online, choose local too! Learn more!
A global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday on December 2 encourages you to give any way you can. Organizers share, “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.” Learn more!
Together, we're generating ripple effects that create new jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity -- what a gift! Thank you for supporting the Shop Indie Local movement.
We invite businesses and organizations to participate in the Monadnock Region's Plaid Friday event on Friday, November 28. Celebrate in creative ways that work best for you, your staff, and neighborhood.
As a Plaid Friday Hub, your business commits to:
Here are some other ideas -- but get creative, too!
If you'd like to serve as a Plaid Friday hub this year, please contact us today.
“Art is not only about what an artist creates,” said Sarah L. Stewart, N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Commissioner. “It’s also about how that art changes the lives of those who experience it.”
This October, embrace local art during Choose Indie Art Month hosted by the American Independent Business Alliance. Let’s celebrate all types of Monadnock Region artists: crafters, painters, musicians, actors, writers, and others. Also, let’s boast about artists' positive impacts on you, our community, and our local economy.
Purchasing local and handmade gifts for loved ones is a fantastic way to celebrate. Have a favorite artist? Ask if they accept commissions. If so, commission them to create a one-of-a-kind piece of work using local materials. “In this way, you can enjoy being a benefactor twice over: to the local economy—helping to strengthen it—and to the environment,” wrote the Artisans Cooperative, a co-op marketplace featuring handmade goods. “By sourcing local material, your local artisan is passing on your support to other local and regional businesses. What’s good for one is—in this case—good for many!”
Love films? Be sure to attend the annual Monadnock International Film Festival, October 3 – 5 in-person in Keene and October 7 - 16 online. See the full schedule.
Support young artists: Attend MoCo Arts’ annual signature fundraising event, Lights. Camera. Keene! All proceeds benefit tuition assistance and arts programming at MoCo Arts. Also, be sure to check out their online auction starting October 13.
Whether film, theatre, music, or visual arts events, discover them all at discovermonadnock.com/events.
Here are two fantastic chances to meet local artists and see where they work. The Monadnock Art Tour and Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour. Both tours happen the weekend of October 11 – 13.
Take a walk around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs, a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world.
If you prefer a guided tour, register with the Historical Society of Cheshire County.
Get your creative juices flowing by signing up for an art class or two. On October 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., stop by MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough for their Fall Open Day with tours, demonstrations, and more. Check out all the offerings happening at MAXT Makerspace.
“MAXT Makerspace is here for everyone,” shared Program Manager David Broughton in Monadnock Table Magazine. “From free and low-cost open studios to accessibly priced classes and memberships for makers.”
Jaffrey Civic Center will offer a “Pet Portraiture with Kris Stewart” series starting October 10. Learn more.
From dance classes to theatre coaching, find more educational opportunities.
Share your creative spirit with your friends, family, and coworkers. Ask others to show you their art. Give a social media shoutout to the local artists who inspire you. Tag your posts with #chooseindieart so we can share them with others.
Discover more local art at shop.tlcmonadnock.com/product-category/arts and monadnockartsalive.org/dma.
“There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts,” said Cynthia Freese, Artists Sunday Director. “Give something special, unique, and handcrafted this holiday season and support local artists and the local economy.”
The arts mean business: In 2023, the art sector made up 4.2 percent of the US economy -- greater than education, transportation, or agriculture industries -- and supported 5.4 million jobs. The arts also mean revenue for other local businesses, as each arts event attendee spends an additional $38.46 at neighboring stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Art boosts our well-being: A national opinion poll from the Americans for the Arts found that 69 percent of us believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences,” and 81 percent shared that the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world.” Recognizing the healing power of art, half of US hospitals offer arts programming.
Art brings us together: 72 percent of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity,” and 63 percent agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better.”
Art inspires creativity: A Journal of Business Research study found that displaying art in the workplace boosted employees’ creative thinking.
Discover more reasons
“The arts are the lifeblood of our communities, raising morale, creating community cohesion, and providing comfort during dark times while also delivering a huge economic footprint,” said Nolen V. Bivens, former president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “And it is more important than ever that everyone take part to recognize the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities in our communities.”
Stay tuned for more Choose Indie Arts news, events, and inspiration
Choose Indie Art is part of a larger Choose Indie Local year-round movement. Together, we inspire our communities to take positive action and boost the ripple effects our neighborhoods, towns, and cities receive when we spend and invest more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
The Main Street Journal, an online publication where I’m so honored to serve as editor, recently published an issue highlighting Localism. This issue quickly climbed the charts, becoming our most popular post since our start in 2021.
Here’s a summary of that issue and an invitation to learn more.
Michael Shuman, economist, author, and publisher of The Main Street Journal, shared four main principles of Localism: action, power, partnership, and respect. As you read this summary, please note any local people, places, and policies that come to mind—already supporting or carrying out this work.
“Localism means that if we discover a problem in our backyard, we address it immediately and locally,” shared Michael. “The goal is not to go it alone, but to favor mindful action over inattention. Act, experiment, learn, try again. The operable phrase is not NIMBY (not in my backyard!), but BIMBY (begin in my backyard!).”
“Localists insist that power be held primarily at the local level, with states holding less power, countries less still, and global institutions the least amount,” continued Michael. “By power, we mean the power collectively to tax, regulate, and administer projects.”
“Localism does not necessarily mean going it alone,” adds Michael. “It can also mean finding partners to serve local needs. Sometimes that’s higher levels of government—the region or the state—but increasingly, it’s other communities around the world struggling with similar challenges. Responsible localists look everywhere for solutions and insights.”
Michael stated, “Localists appreciate that every community is different, with different values, ideas, and traditions. When appropriately empowered, every community will make different choices.”
With these four principles in mind, what does Localism look like in the Monadnock Region? It’s much of what The Local Crowd Monadnock promotes year-round. It’s individuals, businesses, and municipalities spending and investing more of their dollars at locally owned and independent businesses instead of chain stores, online giants, or Wall Street corporations. It’s about supporting emerging entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and workers to ensure that all succeed. It looks like a community providing for everyone’s basic needs, even in times of crisis. It’s about celebrating and taking pride in where we live. It means taking care of the land, water, and other inhabitants in regenerative ways.
“Around the world are exciting examples of Localism’s success,” shared Michael. “Communities increasingly able to feed themselves through greenhouses, vertical growing, and food sovereignty programs; urban organizations solving homelessness through tiny houses and community land trusts; cooperatives, nonprofits, and B Corps removing the walls between managers and workers; neighborhoods using cutting-edge technologies to be self-reliant in energy and water.”
One local example of Localism that comes to mind is the Southwest Region Planning Commission’s (SWRPC) ADU Design Challenge. With an aging population, smaller family size, and high home prices, we need to pursue creative solutions to overcome our region's housing shortage.
Photo by Aysegul Yahsi on Unsplash
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), a home built on the lot of an existing home, offers one solution where a homeowner becomes a home creator. An ADU can look like an apartment over a garage, a tiny house in your backyard, or any small dwelling on the same land as your single-family house.
The Monadnock Region ADU Design Challenge brought together homeowners, architects, and other professionals to design ADUs and compete for a $5,000 cash prize. SWRPC received over 75 homeowner applications from our region, and 11 were selected to participate. The homeowners’ stories inspired 25 design submissions from students and professionals throughout the country. You can learn more about the challenge, participating homeowners, and the submitted designs at swrpc.org/adu.
Read more about Localism and subscribe to future posts at mainstreetjournal.substack.com. Also, let us know what you think by emailing me at jenrisley@amiba.net.
Act, experiment, learn, try again!
A strong local food system keeps our communities vibrant, our economy growing, and our landscapes healthy. When we purchase local food, the benefits ripple throughout the community, helping local farms and other small businesses thrive.
Our food system is a complex network of people, resources, and processes that grow and deliver food from the farm to your plate. It includes the soil's fertility, the hard work of farm workers, the transportation networks, bustling markets, and much more.
Please enjoy this year’s bounty of Monadnock Region food system updates!
For 20 years, the Cornucopia Project, based in Peterborough, has deepened its roots through expanded education and community service. New offerings include their student farmers growing and donating produce to area food pantries and community suppers.
They also provide low-cost shares of locally grown food to community members with limited incomes through NOFA-NH's Farm Share Program.
Cornucopia Project's Young Farmers summer program allows middle school youth to experience everyday farm life, harvest fresh produce for their meals and snacks, and enjoy nature-based art projects.
As the organization grows, so does its need for volunteers. Learn more and get involved!
In December 2024, Walden Mutual Bank, based in Concord, launched its pilot Seedlings Loan Program, supporting a loan readiness program co-developed and offered by the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene. This program serves underserved, emerging food, agriculture, and related businesses to build their credit histories. Walden Mutual Bank hopes to replicate and scale up this model with the help of other nonprofits that support small farms and businesses.
Six food and farm businesses have participated in the loan readiness program, and three have successfully applied for loans through Walden Mutual’s Seedlings Loan Program. One participant shared, “We have gained so much confidence in understanding the financials of our business. The program instructors provided thoughtful and expert insights and created a supportive yet challenging space for us to grow. Our business is in a great place to begin the season and keep growing for years to come!”
The New Hampshire Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant program works to support and empower local farmers in building climate resilience. Since 2022, this program has distributed $1 million to New Hampshire farms.
Two examples of farms that received 2025 funding in our region include Picadilly Farm, a vegetable farm, and Manning Hill Farm, a dairy farm, both located in Winchester. Owners Jenny and Bruce Wooster of Picadilly Farm will purchase a stone burrier, which will improve soil health on their farm. Sarah Costa and Sam Canonica of Manning Hill Farm will upgrade to a more energy-efficient milking system.
Learn more about this grant program!
Antioch University’s Community Garden Connections (CGC) in Keene builds our capacity to grow local food and enhances well-being among those most impacted by climate change and other social, economic, and ecological injustices. CGC's education and outreach activities include the installation and cooperative maintenance of over 70 raised garden beds alongside social service agencies and nonprofits. CGC offers safe places for community members to get outside, learn, and connect through gardening. Through CGC’s one-acre organic farm in Westmoreland, they have raised over 10,000 pounds of produce since their inception for The Community Kitchen in Keene. Volunteer with CGC at the Westmoreland Garden Project at 193 River Road on Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 pm. Contact CGC to learn more at communitygardens@antioch.edu. "A resilient local food system is the backbone of a healthy community,” said Ben Radcliffe from CGC. “I am honored to be the Westmoreland Garden Project Steward this season, where I tend to our high tunnel and raised beds, and all of the produce we harvest is donated to The Community Kitchen to help get quality, organic produce to food-insecure folks in our community. Every person deserves access to fresh, nutritious food grown with care for people and the land. I hope to see a future where local food is not a privilege, but a right—where collaboration, education, and equity ensure that everyone has a seat at the table."
Now, get out there and enjoy our local food and farms! Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition (MFCC) invites you to the 2025 Monadnock Farm Tour, celebrating local food and farms on Saturday, August 16, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Visit working farms, meet the people behind your food, and learn about the essential role agriculture plays in our local economy, environment, and quality of life. Tickets are $10 per car, providing access to all participating farms.
Learn more!
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
