Resolving to Eat Local: Your 2026 Pantry Reboot

As we stand on the doorstep of a new year, many are thinking about resolutions. While "eating better" is always at the top of the list, at Fairmont Market, we like to think of it as "eating more connected."

Choosing to eat local isn't just a healthy choice for you—it’s a healthy choice for our Vermont landscape and our community economy. To help you start 2026 on the right foot, we’ve put together a guide to "rebooting" your pantry and freezer with high-quality, local staples that make wholesome cooking effortless.

Photo Credit: Linda Hall

Building Your Freezer Foundation

The secret to avoiding "what’s for dinner?" stress is having a freezer stocked with versatile proteins and lean options. For those looking to keep their meals light but satisfying, we recommend starting with our farm-raised pork. Cuts like pork tenderloin or pork chops offer a high-protein, low-fat alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

In addition to leaner options, Fairmont Ground Beef remains a pantry essential. As a single-source product, it provides a clean, rich flavor that serves as the perfect weeknight hero for everything from quick tacos to hearty meat sauces. For those who prefer to plan ahead, we recommend stocking up on slow-cooking cuts like Chuck Roasts and Pork Butts. These are perfect for low-maintenance Sunday meal prep, providing delicious leftovers that can be repurposed for healthy lunches and quick bowls all week long.

The Secret to Liquid Gold: Soup Bones

A truly prepared local kitchen always has a bag of soup bones tucked away in the freezer. Whether they are beef marrow bones or the leftover bones from your holiday roast, these are the key to making "liquid gold"—homemade bone broth. Making your own broth is a zero-waste practice that provides a nutrient-dense, collagen-rich base for all your winter cooking.

To prepare a simple broth, just simmer your Fairmont soup bones with a splash of apple cider vinegar, some water, and any leftover veggie scraps you have on hand. Let it cook low and slow until you have a rich, savory liquid. Having jars of homemade broth in your fridge or freezer makes it incredibly easy to whip up a healing soup, cook more flavorful grains, or add a boost of nutrition to your weeknight stews. It’s the ultimate "reboot" staple for a healthy January.

Stocking the Dairy Essentials

We are proud to send our milk to Cabot Creamery, and we believe no local pantry is complete without their gold-standard staples. It starts with Cabot Butter; once you experience the depth of flavor it adds to sautéed vegetables or holiday baking, there is truly no going back.

A block of Sharp Cheddar is perhaps the most versatile ingredient you can own, serving as both a quick snack and a key component in cozy winter recipes. To round out your dairy shelf, keep Sour Cream and Greek Yogurt on hand to add a protein boost to your morning smoothies or a smooth, creamy finish to your favorite sauces.

Rounding Out with Grains and Sweets

A local pantry reaches its full potential when you incorporate products from our neighbors. For hearty textures, look no further than N.E.K. Grains. Their cornmeal and specialty grains are grown right here in the Northeast Kingdom and offer an earthy flavor that store-bought alternatives simply cannot match.

When it comes to sweeteners, we suggest ditching processed sugars in favor of Young’s Sugar Shack Maple Syrup or a jar of Suddabees Honey. Whether you’re sweetening your morning coffee or glazing a roast, these natural options are kitchen essentials. Finally, keep a dozen fresh eggs from Potters Field Homestead in your fridge. They are the perfect, high-quality protein for a quick meal any time of day.

Making the Local Resolution Stick

The best way to ensure you eat local in 2026 is to make it a consistent habit. We encourage you to keep an eye on our weekly email newsletters and social media accounts for product specials and recipes. 

By filling your kitchen with Fairmont and partner products, you aren't just buying food—you're investing in a sustainable cycle that supports Vermont businesses. We can't wait to see you back at the Market. Let’s make 2026 our most delicious and connected year yet!