The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is a co-operative federation bringing together more than 40 Food Co-ops and Startup initiatives that are working together toward a shared vision of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just and sustainable regional food system and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise.
Shared Economic Impact
Every year, the NFCA surveys our Member Co-ops to better understand and communicate our shared impact. Our 2024 Annual Food Co-op Impact survey revealed that there are…
- About 60 food co-ops in New England and New York State,
- Operating in 70 locations,
- Locally owned by about 290,000 members,
- Generating estimated Annual Revenue of $625 million, and
- Employing more than 3,300 people.
In addition, the member co-ops of the NFCA…
- Contributed $900 thousand to community organizations,
- Distributed $1 million in discounts to people on limited incomes,
- Reported that on average 30% of sales were local products.
As interest in co-operatives continues to grow, more than 12,000 people joined our member food co-ops last year alone.
Membership
The NFCA includes more than 40 Food Co-ops and Startups across the Northeast (click here for a map of member locations).
Our co-ops are member-owned and democratically governed community grocery stores ranging in size from large, multiple storefront retailers with thousands of members to smaller markets with just a few hundred. The average NFCA member co-op has been in operation for more than 30 years, with two founded more than 75 years ago. Many of our member co-ops have been expanding and new stores have opened their doors in just the past few years.
Food co-ops have been innovators in the development of more sustainable food systems, and continue to be leaders in emphasizing local products, organic agriculture, and Fair Trade. Together, we are working to support shared success and increase our impact for communities across our region.
Our impact numbers for 2024!
What We’re Doing
The NFCA is an example of the 6th Principle of “Co-operation among Co-ops,” which recognizes that co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Our food co-ops are working together to support the shared success through peer collaboration and innovation, education and advocacy, food system development, and partnership with likeminded organizations.
A focus of our work has been to increase our regional impact and use our shared purchasing power to build a more healthy, just and sustainable food system. For example, in 2022 the NFCA was the first retail organization to join the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, working to sustain our region’s organic dairy farms.
Food Co-ops make a difference every day, empowering people from all walks of life to work together to improve access to healthy, affordable food, support local producers, and build stronger, more resilient and sustainable communities. We are telling our stories, increasing our impact, and communicating our difference.
Rooted in the Co-operative Values of mutual Self-Help and Self-Responsibility, Food Co-ops enable people to work together to access healthy, nutritious food, support local producers, and build stronger, more sustainable and inclusive communities. Together, we are growing our co-ops and building shared success.
“Education, Training & Information” is a basic Principle of the International Co-operative Movement, equipping people to transform their lives, communities, and the economy around us. We’re providing opportunities for learning and action to support successful Food Co-ops.
Our vision is of a Co-operative Economy, rooted in a more healthy, just and sustainable food system. We’re working together to leverage the shared purchasing power our Food Co-ops to create change.
National policy influences our regional farm and food system – and the wider economy. We’re working together with partners to strengthen our democracy and influence the policies that affect us all.
The Co-operative Economy is much bigger than you may think – and its potential is even greater. We know that the best way to increase our impact is by working together.
Running a small Food Co-op or getting a new one off the ground is both rewarding and challenging. We’re working together to support the shared success of our co-operatives.
Partnerships & Networks
We also work in collaboration with other organizations to increase our impact on the food system, economy, and policy. For example, we partner with National Co+op Grocers, Food Co-op Initiative, and Dorsey LLP to support the start-up, growth, and success of food co-ops. We work with other co-operative associations such as the National Cooperative Business Association and the International Cooperative Alliance, to grow the wider co-operative movement. Individual co-ops such as Cabot Creamery Co-op, Deep Root Organic Co-op, Organic Valley, and Real Pickles have been partners in growing the Co-operative Economy in our region. We are also affiliate members of the New England Farmers Union, reflecting our shared commitment to a healthy regional food system, family farming and co-operative enterprise as a tool for community ownership, sustainable agriculture and economic resilience. And key partners such as CoBank, Cooperative Development Foundation, Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, Dot Co-op, and National Cooperative Bank have provided key support for our work over the years. [Stonyfield?]
Together, we are working together toward a shared vision of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just and sustainable regional food system and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise.