Niccola Milnes, a counterterrorism and conflict adviser and the founder of Little Boosties, a children’s supplement brand, shares her experience of moving to Vermont with her family and embracing the state’s tradition of healthy living. When they relocated seven years ago, it wasn’t just the scenic mountains or close-knit communities that attracted them, but also Vermont’s deep-rooted culture of seasonal eating, connection with local farmers, and respect for natural rhythms. What stood out to Niccola was that these practices were not just passing fads, but longstanding traditions in the state.
Growing up with a naturopathic doctor as a parent, Niccola was familiar with the importance of eating locally and organically long before it became a popular trend. Back then, seeking out organic food meant joining co-ops and the focus was on practicality, resourcefulness, and reverence for the land. However, she noticed a shift over the years as healthy eating transformed from a way of life to a thriving industry and, more recently, a divisive political issue.
Niccola expresses concern over how something as essential as food has been dragged into partisan debates. She emphasizes that prioritizing healthy, organic, and local food should transcend political affiliations. Rather than being a statement of one’s political leanings, it should be viewed as a fundamental aspect of nourishing our families. In Vermont, this has always been a core value ingrained in the community.
As an advisor at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Niccola has witnessed firsthand how political divisions can hinder progress. Conversely, she has also seen the positive impact of communities that remain focused on what truly matters. In Vermont, the focus is on the health of families, the support of local farms, and the sustainability of food systems.
A poignant moment that reinforced the importance of healthy living for Niccola was during the wildfires that ravaged the country. Like many parents, she was faced with the challenge of protecting her children from the smoke and toxins in the air. This crisis underscored the fact that the choices we make about what we eat directly impact our well-being and resilience.
Drawing inspiration from Vermont’s ethos, Niccola founded Little Boosties, a brand of children’s supplements that align with the state’s values of clean ingredients, transparency, and a deep respect for nature. She emphasizes that advocating for real food should not be a political stance but rather a commitment to nourishing our bodies and preserving the traditions that have defined Vermont for generations.
Through her personal story and professional experience, Niccola highlights the importance of maintaining a focus on what truly matters when it comes to food and health. She urges readers not to let politics overshadow the essence of Vermont’s longstanding tradition of healthy living and respect for the land. As she aptly puts it, “Let’s not allow politics to erode the foundation of what has always been the Vermont way.”
