Eddie’s Energy Bars Blog

Just a quick post here before I dive back into studying for all of my quizzes and exams I have this week.  I was reading an article online about Andrew Meyer, a farmer in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, who is on a mission to prove sustainability and that someone’s waste is another man’s business, meaning Vermont’s can support each through this entrepreneurial “full circle”.

As Eddie’s comes to the point where future expansion is going to need to be looked at, we want to do everything in a sustainable manner, from our building materials to how we power our bakery.  Recently I have done some research on green building materials, and there are certainly lots out there!  More on that later, though.

Here is the link to the Burlington Free Press article: Sustainable Farming

Michael
Eddie’s Energy Bars

Since I am at school nine months out of the year, I am forced to read the Seven Days online every single week. It’s world’s better to read it with a tangible copy in hand, but most of the time I will make do by reading it with my eyes focused on my brightly lit laptop screen.

Well, as the online content gets revamped every Wednesday, I logged on yesterday as usual, and jumped right to the Food section of the Seven Days website (my favorite section).  I clicked on the article about QTees (I had no idea what it was, so curious me wanted to find out). The article got more and more shocking as I read on.  Apparently, the only Dairy Queen in Vermont is no longer a Dairy Queen.  The owner does not want to partake in some mint-explosion blizzard as a promotion for St. Patty’s day.  She also revolts against the big wigs at DQ and makes made-to-order sandwiches.  With these differences, the owner has decided to split with DQ and name her establishment QTees.

The article goes on to say that, with the absence of a McDonald’s in downtown Burlington (Vermont’s largest “city”), and with the only state capital to not have the golden arches, Vermonters don’t really like fast food.  The author also found out that Vermonters are dead last in the amount of money they spend per person on fast food.  To me, this is no surprise.

In the 802, Vermonters (at least me) have come to dislike “chain” anything, especially when it comes to restaurants.  We don’t have a lot of fast food places, we don’t have a lot of chain restaurants, and frankly, the little independent eatery kicks butt compared to anything big and money hungry.  The food is fantastic, and a lot of the time it’s local–which is fantastic!

In a lot of small Vermont towns, residents still walk to the country store to pick up their milk, eggs, and the morning paper.  Some towns don’t even have broadband access!  In Vermont, there is an incredible desire to support the little guy, and not the huge conglomerate (that’s why farmer’s markets are so successful in Vermont).  For example, we were the last state in the nation to get a Lowe’s, granted we already had Home Depot, but we all know their service isn’t too fantastic.

I bring this mentality where ever I travel.  I always say to my parents (and they know it) that I much more prefer to eat at a local restaurant rather than stop at a chain just off the highway.  I support Vermont companies whenever I can, and this is the mentality many Vermonters carry with them.

So, it’s no wonder that we hate the fast food palaces, because, well, we are the healthiest state in America.  Go Vermont!

Have an opinion on this?  Let me know!

Michael, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars

Supporting your local food producers does not have to end in September when the buying local momentum usually slows down. Some local farms have started a winter shares program where you can pick up your vegetables weekly. A local example of this is Jericho Settler’s Farm in Jericho, VT. They have a great program set up there, however all of their shares are sold out for the 2007 winter.

Some farmstands are open year round, where as others are open at least March through the end of December. Jaswell’s Farm in Smithfield, RI is amazing. They have incredible baked goods and some form of vegetables year round. Their pressed cider is probably some of the best I have ever had (I know! I usually have a bias for Vermont products, but I need to make due being down here in RI).

The important point here is to support local farmers, artisans, and bakers year round. There are incredible benefits from of buying local food, including the benefits from buying Eddie’s Energy Bars during the winter months. Our energy bars stay soft in the freezer so they are perfect to take on the slopes or cross-country trails!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Michael
Eddie’s Energy Bars

Hi Everyone,

Just got home from visiting my high school, and I come with good news. Eddie’s Energy Bars are going to be sold at the Mount Mansfield Union High School A La Carte line starting next week! So, all you crazy little (well, big) high schoolers need to gobble them up.

Also, just yesterday, we started selling at the Sports and Fitness Edge in Essex. Currently, that is the only location where they are sold. I just got the e-mail saying they are out of the dozen bars I gave them yesterday! So exciting!

Before I bounce off my computer chair, I bid you an incredible holiday weekend.

Michael, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars

I’m writing to you incredibly excited right now because Eddie’s Energy Bars is in Backpacker Magazine!  We’re on page 102 for a bar recipe that we submitted using ingredients found within 100 miles of the long trail.  Readers can make the energy bar recipe at home, and do as they wish with it…how exciting!

We’re very excited over here at EEB, as this is our first national exposure.  If you feel the need to place an order for the Green Mountain Bar, you may do so at our website.

Thanks, and have a great day!

Michael, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars