December 14, 2023Everything Co-op continues to feature finalist from its Inaugural 2023 Holiday List, a thoughtfully curated list of products and services from the cooperative community. In this 3rd installment, Vernon will introduces his listeners to two of his picks for the "Body" & "Community". Nate Chittenden, Member/Owner at Cabot Creamery Cooperative, discusses the whole process of how the concept of "Farm-to-Table" plays out within his family farm, and other farmers, who are a part of Cabot; and Danielle Robidoux, organizer with Equal Exchange gives an inside account of how worker-owners fit within the structure of Equal Exchange, and the benefits being passed on to consumers.

Nate Chi­ttenden grew up with a passion for cows, farming and family. He comanages the family’s 1,980-acre Dutch Hollow Farm in Shodack Landing, New York, with his parents and brothers. With about 1,500 cows, there is always plenty to do on the farm. Dutch Hollow welcomes thousands of visitors each year from schools, pre-schools, youth groups, 4-H clubs, high school science classes and college veterinary classes. Nate has held leadership positions on the board of Agri-Mark Young Cooperators, is a member of the Farmer Advisory Council for F.A.R.M., and has been a local 4-H dairy leader for more than 20 years. His efforts have helped strengthen his community, promote family farming and inspire the next generation of dairy farmers.

Nate was recently honored with the inaugural Cornell University Hometown Alumni Award. The award honors alumni in New York state who return to their home counties to start or enhance, a business or non-profit, and who regularly volunteers and is deeply engaged in their home counties. Nate is a Devoted Dad when he isn't farming and enjoys spending time with his kids and trying out new recipes that incorporate the award-winning dairy products his family farm helps produce.

Danielle Robidoux is a long-time food activist who has been interested in our connection to food since she was young. Raised by her Italian grand-mother, she was making homemade sauce since she could walk. Traveling to coffee lands throughout her higher education brought up the resounding question of 'why do people have to suffer so consumers can buy cheap products?'. To Danielle, Equal Exchange had the answer. Danielle has her Master's Degree in International Relations and Economic Development and has been doing organizing work for Equal Exchange for the past seven years. She loves yoga, hiking, traveling, and anything that involves food.