In this heartful and thought-provoking episode of North of Normal, Amanda McKeen sits down with Ed King, longtime General Manager of the Littleton Food Co-op, just a few months before his retirement. Together, they explore the human side of grocery work, what makes the Co-op feel different from big-box stores, and how a single program—Market Match—is transforming food access for families in the North Country.
Ed shares how growing up as the oldest of eight, working on his 16th birthday, and navigating the corporate grocery world shaped his leadership style. From managing people with empathy to building a mission-driven workplace, Ed offers a masterclass in how local businesses can create real, lasting impact. Plus: his love for local theater, grandkids’ soccer games, and why lighting really does matter.
This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and real talk about food justice, community connection, and what it means to leave a legacy that feeds people—literally and figuratively.
