Category: Uncategorized

October is National Co-op Month — a great time to stop in at your local food co-op to learn more about how co-operatives are built for this moment! 

Since 1971, U.S. Co-ops (formerly the National Co-operative Business Association) has continued this tradition, promoting co-operative enterprise as a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, inclusive communities. Under the theme, “Built for This Moment,” this year’s Co-op Month is a reminder that the first co-ops were organized to address the social and economic challenges of the Industrial Revolutions of the 1800s.  Successive waves of co-operative development have often responded to the market failures of their times, enabling people from all walks of life to work together to meet their needs and achieve their aspirations. From electric co-operatives powering rural America when investor-owned corporations saw it as unprofitable to farmer co-ops supporting small family farmers locked out by corporate monopolies, worker co-ops securing livelihoods in unstable job markets to credit unions enabling working people and immigrants to meet their financial needs, housing co-ops retaining affordable shelter amid rampant speculation to food co-ops building community food security, co-ops are a proven response to uncertain times.

Stop in at your local food co-op during Co-op Month to learn more about what makes co-operatives different.  And while you’re there, look for the “Go Co-op” and “Co-op Trade” signs that identify products made by co-operatives. You may be surprised by what you find, including dairy products from Cabot Creamery Co-op and Organic Valley, produce from Deep Root Organic Co-op and Pioneer Valley Growers Association, fairly traded products from Equal Exchange and Dean’s Beans, organic wines from La Riojana, gardening supplies from FEDCO, naturally fermented vegetables from Real Pickles — and many others! 

Across the NFCA Co-operative Identity Education Survey and conducted interviews, staff the NFCA has a similar opportunity at a regional level. Co-ops still value education and are asking for shorter, flexible, and locally relevant educational resources that will strengthen their identity. These resources along with initiatives that increase co-op visibility, like adding co-op to their names or utilizing the “.coop” domain, will deepen awareness within their members and their greater Northeast region. 

Visit our website to learn more about Co-op Month and how co-ops and credit unions enable people to Build a Build a Better World, together.

This summer, Neighboring Food Co-op Association intern Mia DeMichele from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, explored the role of education in grocery co-ops in our region in her final research report, Strengthening Regional Co-op Identity.

When Michael Delchamp, general manager of the Island Store in Isle au Haut, Maine, redesigned the business’ logo, he added two simple words: “Food Cooperative.” He made the change after realizing that long-term seasonal visitors to the island had been shopping there for years without knowing the only store on the island is actually a co-operative that strengthens their local economy. 

What is the Issue and Why Does This Matter?

At other food co-ops, staff have observed that members who have a direct conversation about the meaning of membership tend to stay more engaged than those who join primarily for a discount or other benefits. This suggests that education and outreach is connected to whether members participate, vote, and stay invested in their respective co-ops over time. My conclusion is that co-operatives value education but sustaining it is difficult and can involve a substantial amount of effort.

What the Co-ops Are Asking For 

Across the NFCA Co-operative Identity Education Survey and conducted interviews, staff consistently emphasized their preferences for short videos, collaborative discussion groups, and materials on their own co-op’s history. Other useful tools that co-ops are asking for are editable templates for slide-decks and handouts, rather than a single fixed program that may not apply to their organization.

Why NFCA Resources Are Going Unused and What are the Solutions

The good news is that the NFCA offers many of these resources. But when survey participants were asked if they engaged with the Neighboring Food Co-op Association’s Co-operative Education Webinar Series (CEW), an educational resource already integrated in NFCA’s website, 64% of respondents said that they were not aware it existed. Some respondents noted that the survey itself was what first pointed them towards the webinar series, and they went to check it out afterward. Those who were aware of the webinars expressed appreciation for their content but mentioned the series’ general on-size-fits-all format made it difficult to feel a personal connection towards their own co-op’s story and daily operations. 

The data points to manageable problems, lack of awareness and time and the feeling of disconnect from their own co-operatives. Interviewees stress their interest in educational materials but also reiterate that these core problems remain a barrier. The solution is curating adaptable and adjustable resources that allow co-operatives to customize them into materials they will use to educate their members and staff. Although lower on the list of priority, many expressed appreciation for expanding their co-op’s more history-focused resources, as they believe it would bolster member engagement and strengthen their identities. 

The most consistent response in the survey, with almost 80% agreement, was on the question 

asking members if they believe that the success of other co-ops in the region directly ties into the success of their own co-op. The overwhelming consensus alludes to the fact that co-operative values are not disappearing but rather need to be nourished and revitalized through educational efforts. 

Delchamp’s logo change made the Island Store’s co-op identity visible to its own community, and now the members of the NFCA has a similar opportunity at a regional level. Co-ops still value education and are asking for shorter, flexible, and locally relevant educational resources that will strengthen their identity. These resources along with initiatives that increase co-op visibility, like adding co-op to their names or utilizing the “.coop” domain, will deepen awareness within their members and their greater Northeast region. 

Please join us in thanking Mia for her valuable research and enthusiasm for the co-operative model and wishing her all the best in the future! For more information on NFCA educational resources, please visit our website.

As grocery bills keep climbing, many shoppers are left asking the same question: Why are food prices so high?

That’s the question a recent episode of The Daily from The New York Times explores. It follows Tyler Kulp, general manager of NCBA member East End Food Co-op in Pittsburgh, as he walks listeners through the economics behind today’s grocery prices.

Rather than pointing to a single culprit, the episode reveals the complex web of production costs, transportation, labor and supply chain pressures that shape the price of food long before it reaches the checkout lane.

For co-operatives, however, the story goes one step further. Food co-ops have long embraced a level of transparency that traditional grocery stores rarely offer. Because they’re owned by the people who shop there, co-ops regularly share how pricing decisions are made, why margins matter and how every dollar supports fair wages, local producers and a resilient food system—not distant shareholders.

In uncertain economic times, that openness helps build something just as valuable as affordable food: Trust.  Listen to the episode here.

Thanks to our partners at NCBA CLUSA for permission to republish this story. For more information on how the NFCA is working together to build a more healthy, just, and sustainable food system, please visit our website.

On Saturday, July 4th, food co-ops rededicate ourselves to democracy here in the U.S. and join with other co-operatives in celebrating #CoopsDay around the world.

Celebrated for more than a century and officially proclaimed by the United Nations in 1995, International Co-ops Day is commemorated worldwide on the first Saturday of July, coinciding with Independence Day weekend in the U.S. and offering an opportunity to highlight the democratic values at the heart of our nation and the co-operative business model.

At a time when many parts of the world are experiencing conflict, social division, and rising inequalities, this year’s theme, Co-operatives for a Peaceful World, points to the historic commitment of our movement to more inclusive communities and a participatory economy that works for everyone.  For example, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is a key partner in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which sets out a vision for all countries to work together to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Peace is not only the absence of conflict. It’s also the presence of inclusion, trust, and collaboration — values that co-ops embody every day. And Sustainable Development Goal 16, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, calls for the promotion of sustainable development, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. Through the principle of one member, one vote, co-operative businesses embody democracy, mutual self-help, and collective responsibility, contributing to more inclusive, participatory, and resilient communities. 

Stop in at your local food co-op to learn more about the co-operative movement is people working together to build a more democratic, sustainable, and peaceful world for everyone!

You can help spread the word about Co-ops Day and Voter Registration Day: Share this article in your networks and join in the celebrations!

Since the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) was founded fifteen years ago in 2011, at least 20 co-operative grocery stores have opened their doors in the Northeast U.S., reflecting greater public awareness, food system activism, and a collaborative network supporting growth and development.

At the NFCA’s 15^th Annual Meeting in March, Executive Director Erbin Crowell recognized the contribution of co-op leaders, start-up organizers and a culture of collaboration to the growth and success of co-operatives in our region.  “What we do think we have contributed to is a much stronger ecosystem of support and collaboration in this region with partners and many of you who provide peer support,” he said.  “We believe we have helped create an environment of awareness where co-ops are seen as a solution and a successful model for participatory economic development that can serve our communities for generations.”

Since its founding, the NFCA has conducted an annual survey of food co-ops across our region to help communicate our shared impact to shoppers, activists and policy makers.  In recent years, interns from the Department of Economics at UMass Amherst have helped track key indicators including shared revenue, members, employees, and support of local producers.  Despite continuing consolidation of the retail market, a shifting policy environment, and political tensions, co-operative grocery stores continued to grow last year, increasing our contribution to a more healthy, just, and sustainable food system and economy.  

In 2011, there were about 45 food co-ops in New England and New York State.  Fifteen years later, there are more than 65, with nearly 300,000 members, about 3,000 employees, and shared revenue of $667 million.  Recent surveys have shown that on average 30% of sales at these user-owned grocery stores are local products, compared to 2-5% in mainstream grocery stores, according to a recent study by National Co+op Grocers (NCG).  

“Far from being anomalies, our co-operatives are engines of our regional food system,” said Suzette Snow-Cobb, NFCA Associate Director and former member of the management team at Franklin Community Co-op (MA).  “They also root infrastructure in our communities, with the average food co-op staying in business for 35 years.”

For more information on food co-op impact and state by data, please visit https://nfca.coop/about.

In March, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) community gathered in Greenfield, MA, to celebrate 15 years of shared impact as a regional co-operative of grocery co-ops.

In addition to networking, peer dialogs, and workshops, the gathering heard remarks from Neighboring Co-operator Award recipient Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA). 

“Co-operation matters most in a challenging time, and we are in a challenging time,” said O’Brien.  “And the way to really advance the power of co-operatives by working together in associations.  So, thank you for everything you do for your co-op and for your community, and thank you on behalf of NCBA CLUSA.”

The Neighboring Co-operator award honors individuals and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of our vision and is also a fundraiser for co-operative education.  Individuals and organization are invited to donate to the Cooperative Development Foundation in recognition of Doug O’Brien and all of our awardees. 

“In 2025, we were particularly happy to welcome some new members to NFCA,” said Associate Director Suzette Snow-Cobb in her welcome.  “Chatham Real Food Co-op, Tom’s Natural Foods Co-op, Rising Tide Co-op, and TipTop Co-op also joined as an official member last year.  And this year, we are excited to welcome Adamant Co-op as our newest member.”

“I’m going to miss this particular passion project,” said John Crane, NFCA President and General Manager of Portland Food Co-op (ME), who is stepping down from the board after three terms of service.  “The NFCA is unique, unparalleled in its commitment, and has yet to be duplicated.  Over thirty food co-ops and start-up food co-ops across seven states have chosen to band together in a federation that supports us all.  You are all a testament to the importance of the co-operative model.”

In their report to the gathering, Crowell and Snow-Cobb shared some of the ways that the NFCA focused on the opportunity of the second UN International Year of Co-ops and its core goals of raising public awareness, promoting growth and development, advocating for policies that protect and promote co-ops, and inspiring leadership, particularly by engaging young people in the movement.

As an example, Snow-Cobb pointed to the Certificate in Applied Research on Co-operative Enterprise, which was established by the Department of Economics at UMass Amherst in collaboration with the NFCA and the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops a decade ago as an opportunity to engage students in real-life experience with co-operatives.  

“As we looked back over the past ten years, we realized that we have had 47 students who have completed the internship program,” said Suzette.  “And when you checked in you got to meet two of our interns for this year, Tavishi [Singh]and Christiana [Cao].  They are interested in learning about co-operatives and fortunate to have a college course at UMass” thanks to our partnerships.

The report also noted the growth of food co-ops on our region, with at least 20 opening their doors over the past 15 years, more than in any other region in the U.S.

“To be clear, we’re not taking sole credit for this trend in new co-ops.  Really the weight of that credit goes to the start-up organizers,” said Crowell.  “But what we do think we have contributed to is a much stronger ecosystem of support and collaboration in this region with partners and many of you who provide peer support.  We believe we have helped create an environment of awareness where co-ops are seen as a solution and a successful model for participatory economic development that can serve our communities for generations.”

The day included a series of peer dialogs providing an opportunity for attendees to participate in exchanges on issues ranging from food security to climate action, supporting small food co-ops to building community among board members, and the important role of associations in policy advocacy. 

 “I think this was the best one I’ve been to yet! At our discussion group table, we spoke about a peer group for new Board Directors,” noted Susan Cutting, Board President, Belfast Community Co-op (ME). “So enjoyed being there and found the topics genuinely helpful to me.” 

Afternoon workshops included a session on “Leadership Continuity: Resilience for Challenging Times,” co-led by Kari Bradley, former General Manager of Hunger Mountain Co-op (VT), and Mary Mullally, current GM, and panel with NFCA financial partners, including Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, LEAF, NCB (National Cooperative Bank), and Shared Capital Co-op, on “Supporting Shared Success.”

“Having been away from the co-op world since the 70’s in Wisconsin, it was helpful to understand the organizations supporting the co-op model, said Cathy Neal, Board Member Franklin Community Co-op, (MA).  “The meeting was informative and inspiring.”

The afternoon also included a panel representing inductees into the world map of Cooperative Cultural Heritage, launched in 2025, including Liz Knapp (General Manager, Adamant Co-op), Joe Bergeron (Retired Executive Director, Association of Vermont Credit Unions), and Cornelius Blanding (Executive Director, Federation of Southern Cooperatives). 

“It was a pleasure to be part of such a thoughtful and engaging conversation,” said Blanding.  “The Cooperative Cultural Heritage Project highlights the power of collaboration in preserving and sharing our collective stories, and I’m grateful to have contributed to a dialogue that underscores our responsibility to collective ownership and cultural stewardship.”

For recordings, presentations and other resources from the NFCA’s 15^th Annual Meeting, please visit https://nfca.coop/membergatherings.

Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association will be honored with the Neighboring Co-operator Award at the NFCA’s Annual Meeting on March 21, in Greenfield, MA. 

The award recognizes O’Brien’s decade of leadership at the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), the role of the organization in representing and advocating for our co-ops and credit unions, and its partnership with the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) as we have worked to advance our vision of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just, and sustainable food system, and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from a NFCA, an association that stands tall in the co-operative community,” said O’Brien.  “I always look forward to the NFCA’s Annual Meeting and the opportunity to gather with so many committed co-operators. This is particularly important as we take some time to celebrate and also chart a course for the future of the U.S. co-operative movement at a critical time for our nation and the world.”

It’s been my pleasure to work with Doug over the years,” said Erbin Crowell, NFCA Executive Director and a member of the NCBA Board of Directors.  “We’re excited to recognize his decade of service with NCBA, his unwavering commitment to our movement, and his partnership as we have worked to ensure that our co-ops and their associations are able to continue to thrive and empower people to build more resilient and inclusive communities.” 

Doug has been with NCBA, the umbrella association for all types of co-operatives in the U.S., since 2016 and became President and CEO in January of 2018. Before joining the association, he led the work of the White House Rural Council and served in top positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture focusing on rural economic development.  In his capacity with NCBA, Doug O’Brien works with the co-operative community, both domestically and internationally, to deepen its impact and influence. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of the International Cooperative Alliance(ICA) and DotCooperation, LLC.

Doug has also worked in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and for two Governors. O’Brien’s experience in academia includes teaching and writing at the University of Arkansas Law School and Drake University Law School. O’Brien was raised on a diversified farm in Dubuque County, Iowa, and holds degrees from Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa), the University of Iowa Law School, and the University of Arkansas LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law. 

Doug O’Brien joins a growing group of people honored with this award, including Terry Appleby, former General Manager of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT); Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund; Kari Bradley, former General Manager of Hunger Mountain Co-op (VT); Alex Gyori, former General Manager of Brattleboro Food Co-op (VT); JQ Hannah, Assistant Director at Food Co-op Initiative (FCI); Kay Litten, former NFCA Board Member and longtime Director of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT); Patrice Lockert Anthony, former President of GreenStar Co-op Markets (NY); Glenn Lower, former General Manager of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op (VT); Roger Noonan, President of the New England Farmers Union; Alice Rubin, former General Manager of Willimantic Food Co-op (CT); and Joanne Todd, Director at Willimantic Food Co-op (CT) and CEO, Northeast Family Credit Union.

The NFCA’s “Neighboring Co-operator Award” acknowledges special contributions made to the advancement of our vision and raises funds for co-operative development through CDF’s Education Fund. Individuals, co-ops, and organizations are invited to contribute in honor of Doug O’Brien and all our Neighboring Co-operators at https://www.cdf.coop/nfca. 

Telling Our Stories

In a recent interview with Edible Vermont, Erbin Crowell, Executive Director of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, offers an in-depth look at how co-ops became such a defining part of the Northeast food landscape.

Crowell traces the evolution of food co-ops from early efforts during the Great Depression to the waves of community activism that followed, helping explain why these member-owned businesses continue to thrive in times of social and economic uncertainty.

“When we think about the challenges we’re facing today… the goal is to build strong, resilient, inclusive communities. And people have in their hands this tool to do it themselves,” Crowell says.

Read the full interview to learn more about Vermont’s unique place in co-op history, the role food co-ops play in supporting local farmers and producers, and why 2025—the Year of Cooperatives—arrives at a pivotal moment.

Thanks to NCBA CLUSA for allowing us to republish this article.  To view the holiday issue of Edible Vermont, visit this link.