This October, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is joining over 65,000 co-operatives and credit unions across the United States in celebrating Co-op Month, observed nationally since 1964. The theme for 2024, “The Future is Cooperative,” was chosen by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) as an opportunity to engage co-op members, customers, employees, and policy makers about what makes co-operative enterprise unique. As businesses that are owned and controlled by the people who use them to meet their shared needs, co-ops offer an alternative vision for a more inclusive economy that puts people and the future of our planet before profit.
Here in the Northeast, the NFCA has been working with our partners at New England Farmers Union and policy makers such as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) to raise awareness about the importance of co-operatives to our regional food system. “In New Hampshire and across the country, co-ops are critical for the success of local agriculture,” said Senator Shaheen. “Fueling jobs, supporting our farmers and feeding our families, co-ops are an essential part of our local food systems. During National Co-op Month, we’re proud to celebrate them.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is also helping spread the word NFCA has been working with policy makers such as Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) to help spread the word. “As a member of both a food co-op and an electric co-op, and as a proud member of the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus, I’m thrilled to celebrate National Co-op Month and recognize the incredible impact co-ops have in Maine and across the country,” said Pingree. “Co-ops have also played a critical role in strengthening our local food systems, increasing access to fresh, locally-produced food.”
For example, a recent survey by the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) found that grocery co-ops across New England and New York State sell more than $121 million in local products annually — or more than 25% of sales on average. Taken together, the NFCA includes more than 40 food co-ops and start-ups that are locally owned by 185,000 members and provide employment for over 2,545 people, more than 60% of whom are also members, sharing in the ownership of their local grocery store. From farmer co-ops to worker co-ops, credit unions to mutual insurance, and housing co-ops to energy co-ops, co-operative businesses thrive across the U.S. economy, where one in three people are members.
“Co-operatives make a big difference in our communities across our region,” said Erbin Crowell, NFCA Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors of NCBA CLUSA. “But many people are surprised by how our movement and business model is also recognized around the world.”
The United Nations General Assembly recently declared 2025 the second International Year of Co-operatives, acknowledging the contribution of the movement to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgent need to build a more inclusive, resilient, and global economy. Around the world, around 1 billion people are co-op members, and 10% of the world’s population is employed by co-operatives. Because they are controlled by the people who use them to meet their needs, co-operatives are rooted in their communities.
“The decision by the General Assembly could not be timelier. The innovative contributions of co-operatives for sustainable development will be crucial for accelerating progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as we approach 2030,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “The second International Year of Cooperatives will be an opportunity to mobilize all stakeholders to support and expand co-operatives everywhere, strengthening their contributions for a better world.”
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” signs on the shelves that identify co-op made products. You may be surprised by what you can find, including dairy products from Cabot Creamery Co-op and Organic Valley, fresh produce from Deep Root Organic Co-op, fairly traded coffee from Equal Exchange and Dean’s Beans, La Riojana wines, seeds and bulbs from FEDCO, naturally fermented vegetables from Real Pickles — and many others!
For more information on Co-op Month and to find a food co-op near you, visit https://nfca.coop.
