By: Melissa Reiss, Purchasing Assistant
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 Giant Jones Beer Giant Jones Brewing, located on Madison’s east side, is an independent and women-owned brewery. They also hold the distinction of being Wisconsin’s sole USDA-Certified Organic brewery. Specializing in American-style, Belgian, and international ales exceeding 7% ABV, Giant Jones crafts flavorful beers complemented by captivating mythical artwork. Committed to sustainability, the brewery actively participates in the Artisan Grain Collective, an Upper Midwest network promoting a regenerative grainshed. This collaborative effort unites farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, chefs, food manufacturers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and advocates. The brewery intends to increase the use of local grains in its beers by forging relationships with farmers and bolstering the infrastructure needed to supply these grains to consumers. Available at all stores, although beer selections carried at the Co-op vary from time to time. Read more at www.giantjones.com/giant-jones-411. |
 Mrs. Beaster's Biskits Mrs. Beaster’s Biskits offers preservative- and GMO-free dog treats, including ten grain-free, and three oat-based treat varieties. This Wisconsin family farm uses organic produce grown on-site and pasture-raised meats from local farms, avoiding artificial ingredients and fillers. These natural ingredients make the Biskits suitable for dogs with health issues. Created as a vocational community, their business hires and supports adults of all abilities who collaboratively craft these treats. Read more at www.mrsbeastersbiskits.com.  My Soul Brew Kombucha My Soul Brew is Wisconsin’s first Black woman-owned kombucha brewery, emphasizing inclusivity, wellness, and culture. Committed to ensuring the best quality, this kombucha is brewed in small batches with 100% GMO-free, organic ingredients always, and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Available at all stores. Flavors vary by store. Read more at www.mysoulbrew.com/pages/about-us.  EVP (Etes-Vous Prets?!) Coffee Tracy Danner, founder of EVP, was a substance abuse counselor in Anchorage, Alaska. Seeking a less stressful career change that would still allow her to meaningfully serve her community, she pivoted her focus. Established in 1997, EVP (short for ‘Etes-vous prets?’ which translates to “Are you ready?” in French) is a local Madison coffee institution. This independent, woman-owned business operates four lively cafes and roasts its beans daily, emphasizing freshness. Available at all stores. Read more at www.evpcoffee.com/about-evp.html.  Nantucket Spider Lifelong friends Nancy Jack, an environmental lawyer, and Jeffrey Busch, a public interest lawyer, created Nantucket Spider, a natural alternative to DEET bug repellents. The idea sparked after Nancy’s nylons dissolved from a chemical repellent, and Jeffrey wished for a natural predator like a spider to control biting insects during buggy summers in Nantucket. Nancy’s lake house served as a testing ground for essential oils. They learned that different species of insects are repelled by different essential oils. Thus, their original bug repellent contains a broad spectrum of essential oils in a higher concentration than most other leading brands—high enough to work well, but without an overpowering smell. Nantucket Spider is committed to ethical and environmentally sustainable business practices to ensure a safe and stable world for future generations. They prioritize high-quality, natural ingredients, offering DEET-free, soy-free, cruelty-free, and vegan products safe for adults, children, and dogs. Available at all stores. Read more at www.nantucketspider.com/pages/about-us-1.  Delta Beer Delta Beer Lab, a community-focused brewery with a welcoming taproom, aims to “Craft Beer, Crafting Change” by demonstrating that business can be both profitable and beneficial. Since opening in February 2019, guests have donated over $220,000 to local nonprofits through their partner program. The brewery’s Change It Up Tuesdays program, launched in March 2024, partners with different local nonprofits each week to raise awareness and funds for various community organizations. As a member of “1% for the Planet”, Delta Beer Lab commits 1% of its total revenue to environmental organizations addressing water quality and climate change. Available at all stores. Selection can vary based on what’s available. Read more at www.delta.beer. |
