Giving Back
TipTop Co-Op has a long-standing mission to prioritize people and planet over profit, and where possible, to use those profits to better the world.
Sarah Heller
Always concerned with the welfare of their neighbors near and far, TipTop Country Store founders Sarah and Rudy Heller prioritized selling sustainable, ethically produced goods while regularly donating thousands of dollars to community programs and local food pantries. When Sarah got sick with pancreatic cancer in 2022, the TipTop community came together to keep the store open as a member owned co-op.
Over the last 20+ years, TipTop's friends and shoppers have continued to honor Sarah and her vision of supporting programs and organizations which help people meet their needs and promote a healthy planet.
Some words from the community:
"Sarah had a strong but quiet presence that never pressured people, but inspired us to do the right thing and move society forward compassionately. She did so much for so many behind the scenes that many of us never knew about. Her love for organic food and for her community shown through and everything she did. It’s pretty hard to imagine Sarah not being here in her physical body anymore, but her legacy will live on through the Co-op, the organizations she founded, and the many family and friends who love her!"
"When I first moved to MA in 2007, I had heard about this little country store that was similar to Whole Foods, but close by and run by an amazing couple. I began shopping at Tip Top that day and every year since. Sarah always had a kind and smiling face. She was thoughtful and truly cared about the foods we fed our families and access for all. Watching Tip Top expand over the years was a wonderful thing. More and more people became aware of how tainted our food system was and how abundant our resources were in the middle of nowhere Central MA. Sarah will be greatly missed, but has left a legacy and will never be forgotten."