Edge of the Woods Vegetarian Health Food Market

Who Are We? (Our History)

Edge of the Woods Natural Market is an organization that was started as a co-op by a group of idealists practicing a yogic discipline in 1977. Originally located on Edgewood Avenue in New Haven, the idea behind Edge of the Woods Market was to provide vegetarian food in a warm inviting setting and at a reasonable price. Edge of the Woods struggled until current owner Peter Dodge was approached with the opportunity to buy the business. Over time, the business grew and the store location changed from Edgewood Avenue to Whalley Avenue where it is today. The store building was once a movie theater, and then a nightclub before Edge of the Woods moved in and established itself as the largest natural food market in the New Haven area. As business grew, owner Peter Dodge invested in making Edge of the Woods the kind of place that he would like to shop. This included improvements in decoration, product selection, the addition of different departments and many other progressive steps to satisfy customers.

Who We Are? (Today)

Today Edge of the Woods is a family run business. Peter Dodge's wife, Fran Dodge, and two sons, Nathaniel and Justin, now participate in running the business. In recent times, Edge of the Woods has been interested in increasing customer satisfaction to the highest level possible. We have increased our appearance by adding a well-decorated awning, hand-made wooden signs, foliage, and different departmental themes that are fun for the whole. The company has also added a juice and sandwich bar, and now offers a planted and cut flower department.

Why Edge of the Woods? (Service Work)

Through Edge of the Woods Natural Market, owners Peter and Fran Dodge have become involved in the progression of third world countries, especially in Haiti. They have contributed many resources to help ease the problems in Haiti. Over the past twelve years Peter and Fran have donated large sums of money and time to school systems and the creation of local jobs. Fran and Peter have become one of the main supporters of three schools in Haiti, two in Port-au Prince, and one on the Haitian border of the Dominican Republic. Together they make yearly visits to see the progression of the schools, and to run medical clinics and food distribution projects. They are also involved in a disaster relief program know as AMURT, and have both spent time in New Orleans rebuilding and repairing houses after hurricane Katrina. Edge of the Woods, and its patrons, have contributed many resources to help in under developed places like Port Au Prince. Since the earthquake in Port-au Prince, Edge of the Woods has contributed 96 family size tents, financial resources, time, labor, and over twenty-five pallets of donated supplies. For all the people that have contributed, thank you for your support!