Emily Needham, known across Shelter Island as the Lettuce Lady, has turned her love of creative, feel-good food into a destination that locals now rely on. Located at 10 St. Mary’s Road, the Lettuce Lady Shed offers a rare grab-and-go option on the island, rooted in the idea that salads can be satisfying, energizing, and anything but boring.
Needham’s path back to the kitchen was shaped by a return to Shelter Island in 2019 after years working in software on the West Coast. What began as cooking for friends and frontline workers during the early days of the pandemic quickly grew into a word-of-mouth salad delivery business. With few grab-and-go options available locally, her imaginative salads and baked goods filled a clear gap in the community.
Today, the Shed is stocked daily with around 30 salads, typically featuring five to six rotating options. The offerings are generous, seasonal, and thoughtfully composed, alongside baked favorites like tea breads and cookies. Beyond food, the Shed also carries small gift items including island-inspired glassware, apparel, bags, and handmade pieces that reflect the creative spirit behind the brand.
The Lettuce Lady’s growth has been deeply connected to the Shelter Island community. Early support from local businesses and neighbors helped the operation expand organically, creating partnerships that continue to shape the business. That sense of collaboration remains central to the Shed’s identity.
Open daily from morning until sundown, the Lettuce Lady Shed operates on an honor system, with payment accepted via Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check. It is a model that feels uniquely suited to Shelter Island, built on trust, community, and good food. What started as a simple love of salads has become a small but meaningful part of daily island life.
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