Milk & Honey Caters to Foodies and Responsible Consumers

Milk & Honey is Church Street's latest addition.

Owners Sharon and Bill Driscoll refer to their shop as a "specialty food store with a conscience." According to Sharon, Milk & Honey caters to patrons who are looking to find interesting and healthy products that can't be found at the supermarket.

Sharon, a self-proclaimed foodie, has lived in Salem for 14 years. She said she thought the downtown area lacked a health-conscious market for residents and young people who work in Boston and expect the same quality and variety of shops in Salem as they do in the city.

At her store, Sharon said she strives to make the shopping experience different.

"I want it to be personalized and interactive," she explained.

Before opening Milk & Honey, Sharon worked for a non-profit called Project Bread, one of the state's leading anti-hunger organizations.

"Issues of hunger have always been near and dear to my heart, and I want to make healthy food accessible to everyone," Sharon explained.

The majority of the meat, dairy and produce at Milk & Honey are delivered from local farms (including Salem's own Maitland Mountain Farm), which focus on humane growing practices and safety.

Products are bought in bulk at the shop to cut down on packaging and promote a healthy environment. Sharon and Bill opt to use biodegradable containers in Milk & Honey. Though this costs the shop owners more, Sharon said the couple is dedicated to exposing the planet to better products.

Bill chose the shop name in reference to the phrase "the land of milk and honey," which, according to Sharon, is a place that is "plentiful and lovely."

So far, Sharon said the best part of opening the store has been meeting local residents.

"It's wonderful to live and work in the community where you live. You meet people from right around the corner who you wouldn't normally meet," she explained.

Salem resident Dawn Laidley said she is thrilled Milk & Honey is one of Salem's newest tenants.

Laidley works for Dole & Bailey, one of Milk & Honey's earth-friendly meat suppliers. On weekends, Laidley cooks samples of Dole & Bailey products for customers. Sharon said she plans on having tastings every weekend.

Laidley distinguishes the grocery store from other supermarkets, citing its personal touch. According to Laidley, the store is like "the old-fashioned general stores but for the new people. Today people are savvy and want to eat better. Milk & Honey is their solution," she said.

Milk & Honey is currently in the process of accepting EBT cards.