DEER ISLE – When Narrative Food relocated from California to Deer Isle, a rural island off Maine’s coast in 2023, founder Jennifer Piette discovered something unexpected: a thriving community of small-batch food makers whose values perfectly aligned with her certified B Corporation’s mission. Now, the company celebrates those partnerships with its ‘For Good’ holiday collection – gifts supporting causes from climate action to youth outdoor education.
“When we moved here, we found makers whose values aligned perfectly with ours,” said Piette. “Every product tells a story about community, craftsmanship, and caring for the environment.”
“Coffee for Community” features organic, fair-trade beans from 44 North Coffee, the woman-owned roastery just down the road on the same island. “Chocolate for Change” pairs 70 percent Panamanian dark chocolate from La Nef Chocolate with sustainably-harvested Maine sea salt.
For this holiday season, “Pears for the People” features dried Asian pears from certified organic 5 Star Nursery in Brooklin, available exclusively through pre-order.
The collection includes “Chai for our Coast” from ChaiWallahs of Maine, “Caramels for Climate” from Virgo Moon, and “Walnuts for the Watershed” – dry-farmed organic walnuts from a California grower Narrative Food has partnered with since their farm-to-table days.
Each gift box includes a $3 donation to nonprofits including World Central Kitchen and Maine-based Wabanaki REACH, ClimateWork Maine and Teens to Trails.
Ready-to-ship gift boxes are available now and range from $25 to $129. The “Change is Brewing Box” ($85) pairs their coffee with a handcrafted Maine ceramic mug. The company’s new Build-a-Box platform allows bulk customization starting at 20 boxes, with larger orders best placed over the summer for holiday delivery.
“People want their holiday gifts to reflect their values,” Piette explained. “Our gifts don’t just avoid harm – they actively create good. Supporting small-scale makers, local communities, and important causes while delivering something truly delicious.”
The company now sources from twenty Maine producers, creating economic ripple effects across the state. As a certified B Corporation since 2013 and member of 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral, and WBENC, Narrative Food is committed to considering its impact on workers, community, customers, and environment.
The transition from farm-to-table delivery in Los Angeles to impact-driven gifting in rural Maine represents both an evolution and a return to founding principles for the company that has been supporting small-scale makers since 2010.
Founded in 2010, Narrative Food operated as a farm-to-table home delivery service in Southern California until pivoting to impact-driven gifting in 2022. The woman-owned company donates 2 percent of sales to nonprofits and sources from over 55 small-scale makers nationwide.
