For this International Year of Co-operatives, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association worked with interns from the Department of Economics at UMass Amherst to take a look at the wider impact of food co-ops across the Northeast.
The United Nations declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives recognizes the contribution of co-ops to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as “Responsible Production and Consumption.” By mapping their impact across the Northeast, we can also communicate the wider impact of food co-ops and their role in strengthening food security, addressing climate change, building a more inclusive economy and society.
As part of the Certificate in Applied Economic Research on Cooperative Enterprises with the Department of Economics at UMass Amherst, Gabi Urbanowicz and Nuo Chen helped collect basic data from NFCA members and food co-ops across the Northeast. In addition to administering a survey, they reached out directly to food co-op leaders and conducted online research to fill in gaps in information.
Finding all the food co-ops in the region was not an easy task, much less compiling basic economic data, but the results were very exciting. Our research found that there are about 60 Food Co-ops across New England and New York State, locally owned by more than 290,000 members. Further, these community-based businesses generated estimated revenue of $628 million last year and employed about 3,000 people.
Because they are owned by people like you who shop and work there, food co-ops are rooted in their communities, and by working together, the NFCA is increasing food security, providing purpose-led jobs, and strengthening the local economy. In addition to focusing healthy food, sustainable agriculture, and fair trade, our member co-ops reported that on average 30% of their sales were from local suppliers.
“This data helps improve the visibility of NFCA members, communicating not only the scale of food co-op impact, but also highlighting the quantifiable aspects of co-ops’ dedication to the community,” said Gabi, who is studying economics and business. “Throughout my internship experience, I was able to see firsthand the major impacts NFCA member co-ops have on our local community.”
To learn more about the collective impact of food co-ops across the Northeast, including state by state statistics, please visit https://nfca.coop/members.
“The reason I love co-ops so much is I believe in them,” said Congressman Jim McGovern in an address to the members of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association.
McGovern was the keynote speaker for the 14th Annual Meeting of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) at Greenfield Community College on March 15, 2025, where he thanked co-operatives for the contributions they make for their communities every day. “You are strengthening local food systems, strengthening rural economies, fighting climate change, and fighting hunger,” he said. “And you are doing it in a way that makes those choices accessible to everybody.”
A longtime advocate for justice, food security, and an economy that works for everyone, Representative McGovern is also a member of the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus. In his remarks [LINK TO VIDEO], he also shared his concerns about proposed cuts to food assistance and recent actions by the federal government impacting family farmers in our region and across the country, as well as his appreciation for the contributions that co-ops make to their communities. “This is a moment for solidarity,” he said.
“As co-operators, we commit ourselves to our shared values and principles, and to working together to build a healthy, just, and sustainable food system and a more inclusive economy that works for everyone,” said NFCA Associate Director Suzette Snow-Cobb in her welcome. “As we carry our work forward, we are excited to welcome representatives from so many food co-ops and partners from across the region this morning.”
“We are so happy to have you all here, especially this year which is the second International Year of Co-operatives,” agreed John Crane, NFCA President and General Manager of Portland Food Co-op (ME). “It’s easy to get a little siloed into thinking ‘we’re just here selling food in our little corner of the world’ — but we’re really part of something much larger than that. We are part of a movement [and] the United Nations recognizes that the world needs more of us.”
The UN declaration of 2025 as a Year of Co-operatives offers an opportunity for co-ops, credit unions, and mutuals to communicate their difference at a critical time. “At this challenging and disorienting time, our co-ops offer a time-tested alternative that empowers people to meet their own needs and strengthen their communities through mutual self-help,” said Executive Director Erbin Crowell. “And through our shared values and principles, we have the opportunity to work together for the betterment of all.”
In his report to the gathering, Crowell shared some of the ways that the NFCA has been focusing on the UN’s goals of the Year, including raising public awareness of the impact of co-ops, 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, he introduced the NFCA’s interns from UMass Amherst Department of Economics, Nuo Chen and Gabi Urbanowicz, who are pursuing a Certificate in Applied Economic Research on Co-operative Enterprises.
“Co-ops have a unique ability to engage young audiences, offering a space to learn, grow, and collaborate,” said Gabi. “Attending the NFCA’s Annual Meeting reinforced how valuable these connections with co-op leaders are — whether through shared values or new perspectives, they make co-ops so powerful. Every conversation deepened my understanding of co-operative enterprise and the role young people can play in its future.”
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 to co-operative education and training opportunities.
“I appreciate all the discussion about advocating for co-ops, low-income members, local farmers, etc.,” said Carl Etnier, Board President at Hunger Mountain Co-op (VT). “These are crucial times for everyone to be standing up to hold onto what we have as a country.”
Building on the theme for the day, afternoon panels focused on policy advocacy, experiences from international movements, and partnering for impact with food co-op financial partners, including Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, LEAF, National Cooperative Bank, and Shared Capital Co-op.
“The workshop on co-op financing exceeded my expectations and was incredibly helpful to us,” said Emily Hershberger, General Manager at Buffalo Mountain Co-op Market (VT). “I went out of curiosity and thought I knew a lot about the topic already. It was more helpful and relevant than I anticipated.”
A panel of food co-op leaders including Rochelle Prunty (General Manager at River Valley Co-op, MA), Patti Smith (General Manager at Willimantic Food Co-op, CT), and Joanne Todd (Board Member at Willimantic Food Co-op and CEO of Northeast Family Credit Union) shared their experiences engaging with co-operative movements in Colombia, the Basque Region of Spain, and across Africa and the Caribbean.
With unprecedented changes to the legislative environment in DC, a cross-sector panel on “Partnering for Impact: Policy Advocacy in a New Environment” explored how co-ops and credit unions can work together. “This year, more than any, advocacy is a priority and more relevant than at any time in my professional life,” said Doug O’Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association. “We’ve got to lean into the Sixth Principle [of Cooperation among Co-ops], we’ve got to figure out how to work together, and we have to make sure we can advance or protect the priorities that we have.” Panelists including Joe Bergeron, Executive Director of the Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, and the NFCA’s Erbin Crowell shared perspectives on how associations can advocate for their members, protect our business model, and advocate for resources for development.
Election results for the NFCA Board were announced, with Cassandra Carmichael (Vice President, Fiddleheads Food Co-op, CT) joining reelected directors Mary Mullally (General Manager, Hunger Mountain Co-op, VT), and Michael Wells (Board of Directors, Putney Food Co-op, VT). Continuing on the Board are Katharine Arnold (Buffalo Mountain Co-op, VT), John Crane (Portland Food Co-op, ME), Lucy Georgeff (High Falls Food Co-op, NY), George Touloumtzis (Franklin Community Co-op, MA), Philip Trevvett (Urban Greens Co-op Market, RI), and Chris Whiton (Littleton Food Co-op, NH). Outgoing Director Brenda De Los Santos (Fiddleheads Food Co-op, CT) was thanked for her service on the NFCA Board.
The gathering also offered an opportunity for community celebration, with the annual Neighboring Co-operator Award going to Kari Bradley, former General Manager at Hunger Mountain Co-op and NFCA Board Member, who continues to be involved in the work of the NFCA, supporting a peer group and online dialogs for general managers.
“Now that I’m not involved in the day to day of running a co-op, I can see even more clearly that what you offer is a special thing and is going to be a critical part of the solution that will see us through these times and future crisis and actually improve things for people,” said Bradley. “I encourage you to recognize our superpower and make the most of it by articulating [our] values.”
“This meeting was awesome,” said Lisa Boragine, Board President of TipTop Co-op (MA), reflecting on the gathering. “How can we continue the momentum throughout the year?”
“I came away renewed and energized to do the best I can for my co-op,” agreed Theresa Haywood, Board Member for Rutland Area Food Co-op (VT). “NFCA helps us direct our focus, particularly in advocacy, with a message to share.”
A longtime advocate for justice, food security, and an economy that works for everyone, Representative McGovern is also a member of the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus.
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is honored to welcome Congressman Jim McGovern, U.S. Representative for the 2nd District of Massachusetts, as the keynote speaker for our 14th Annual Meeting, coming up on March 15. Organized under the theme, “Build a Better World, Together,” the gathering will be both an opportunity to celebrate the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives and to work together to confront the challenges of our day as we support the shared success of our co-ops, increase of impact for our communities, and amplify our voices before policy-makers.
In the context major changes taking place in DC, our communities, and around the world, Mr. McGovern continues to be a champion for the people of our region, and a global leader working to end hunger, protect human rights, and promote peace. First elected to Congress in 1996, Jim currently serves as a senior member of the Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight, is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules and is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus. On the House Agriculture Committee, he has been a global leader in the fight to end hunger, fighting for and successfully securing a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to make ending hunger a national priority. We’re looking forward to Congressman McGovern’s comments on the role and potential of our food co-ops and our members in helping to build a more just, sustainable, and inclusive food system and economy at this critical time.
Building on our dialog with Congressman McGovern, our Annual Meeting will include peer dialogs designed for networking and collaboration, a celebration of our Neighboring Co-operator, and board elections. Afternoon workshops will focus on several relevant topics including policy advocacy in our new environment, stories from the international co-operative movement, and partnering with financial service providers.
Registration information has be sent directly to our Member Co-ops. We look forward to seeing our members and partners there!
Providing a space for collaboration, innovation, and mutual support for Food Co-op leaders is central to the work of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA), a co-operative of retail grocery co-ops across the Northeast.
024, at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA, bringing together representatives from Member Co-ops, partners, and guests under the theme, “Build a Better World, Together.”
With the launch of the second International Year of Co-operatives in 2025, the meeting will include opportunities for networking, presentations, and workshops as we consider the unique role of co-ops in advancing the UN’s “Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which concludes in 2030. A plan of action for “people, planet and prosperity,” the agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which are directly relevant to our co-ops, including economic inclusion, addressing climate change, and contributing to food security.
Member co-ops are invited to send 3-4 representatives from among their management and board of directors for a day celebration, peer dialogs, and workshops. In addition to an exploration of the next International Year of Co-ops, we will engage in a range of peer dialogs, celebrate our Neighboring Co-operator, and announce the results of board election. Workshops will focus on several relevant topics including policy advocacy in a new environment, learning from international movements, and collaboration with funders supporting the growth of our co-ops. Registration information will be sent directly to our Member Co-ops. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as we work to build a better world!
Whereas, On June 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/289 proclaimed 2025 as the second International Year of Co-operatives, recognizing the vital role of co-ops in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth;
Whereas, The theme of the International Year, “Co-operatives Build a Better World,” underscores the enduring global impact of co-operatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges. It highlights their contributions to sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, showing how co-ops are key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The theme also emphasizes the unique ability of co-operatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience;
Whereas, The UN Resolution recognizes that co-operatives, “in their various forms, promote the fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of local communities and all people, including women, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples, whose inclusion strengthens economic and social development, and contribute to the eradication of poverty and hunger”;
Whereas, For more than 175 years, the co-operative business model has empowered people around the world to improve their lives, livelihoods, and communities through enterprises that are democratically governed by their members, the people who use them in their roles as consumers, workers, and producers;
Whereas, More than 1 billion people are members of 3 million co-operatives in every nation of the world, employing 100 million people worldwide;
Whereas, There are more than 65,000 co-operative establishments in the U.S., where more than 1 in 3 people are members of a co-op or credit union and co-operatives operate across virtually all industries, including food, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, employment, finance, housing, healthcare, and the arts;
Whereas, Food co-ops have been pioneers and innovators in the areas of healthy food, sustainable agriculture, economic inclusion, Fair Trade and strengthening local economies;
Whereas, The vision of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association is of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy just and sustainable food system and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise; and
Recognizing, The Neighboring Food Co-op Association’s previous resolution in support of 2012 as the first UN International Year of Co-operatives.
Resolved,That the Neighboring Food Co-op Association commits to
Join with the United Nations, the International Co-operative Alliance, the National Cooperative Business Association / CLUSA International, the National Farmers Union and other organizations in celebrating the year 2025 as the second International Year of Co-operatives;
Contribute to the efforts of the United Nations and the International Co-operative Alliance to use the opportunity of the Year of Co-ops to Raise Public Awareness, highlighting the contributions of co-operatives to sustainable development; Promote Growth and Development, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for co-operatives; Advocate for Supportive Frameworks, encouraging the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for co-operatives globally; Inspire Leadership, fostering purposeful leadership and engage youth in the co-operative movement; and
Encourage its members to participate in the International Year of Co-operatives, promoting the vital role of co-ops and credit unions in the economic and social well-being of communities in our region, across the United States and around the world.
Adopted by the NFCA Board of Directors, 16 January 2025
The launch of the 2025 International Year of Co-ops in New Delhi, India.
At the ICA Global Cooperative Conference in November 2024, the worldwide co-op movement gathered in New Delhi, India, for the official launch of the 2025 International Year of Co-ops. The celebration followed a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on June 19, 2024, sponsored by Mongolia and Kenya, underscoring the vital role of co-ops and credit unions in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The theme of the year, “Co-operatives Build a Better World,” focuses on the enduring global impact of co-ops as essential solutions to today’s global challenges. It highlights their contributions across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, showing how co-operatives are key drivers in advancing the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development before it concludes in 2030. Whether promoting decent work, advancing gender equality, ensuring food security, or fostering climate resilience, co-operatives provide innovative, sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through their collective impact, they demonstrate how businesses rooted in shared values can build a better world for all.
At our Annual Meeting in March of 2024, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) identified as a priority preparing for the Year of Co-ops as a key opportunity to communicate our difference, increase our impact, and continue to advance our vision for a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. As part of our dialog, we asked our members to consider the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and where our food co-ops can work together most effectively to make a difference. While the SDGs part of an integrated agenda for sustainable development, the most compelling objectives for respondents were Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), Responsible Consumption & Production (SDG 12), Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8).
Over the course of 2025, the NFCA will be highlighting our collective impact on the SDGs as we join with other co-ops and credit unions across the Northeast and around the world to:
Raise Public Awareness. Highlight the contributions of co-operatives to sustainable development.
Inspire Leadership. Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the co-operative movement.
The 2025 International Year of Co-operatives is an important opportunity for us to not only communicate our difference, but also to work together to do more, to share ideas and innovations, and to inspire positive change at a critical time. Together, we can show how co-operatives build a better world for everyone.
Thanks to the ICA for content for this article. For more information on the International Year of Co-ops, please visit https://nfca.coop/iyc.
Panelists at the Global Co-op Conference discuss “Living Our Co-operative Identity.”
The 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) was officially launched at the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, in New Delhi, India — and your Neighboring Food Co-ops were there!
The gathering, organized by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and hosted by IFFCO, attracted delegates from over 100 countries under the theme, “Co-ops Build Prosperity for All,” and focusing on four conference pillars: Reaffirming the Co-operative Identity, Enabling Supportive Policies, Developing Strong Leadership, and Building a Sustainable Future. The dialog included more than 100 speakers, including representatives from the United Nations, government officials, scholars and activists, and co-operators from around the world as the co-operative movement celebrated the launch of the second International Year of Co-ops in 2025.
Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) Executive Director Erbin Crowell was in attendance, representing our member co-ops as well as the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) and DotCooperation. Crowell also serves on the Co-operative Identity Advisory Group (CIAG), which submitted its recommendations to the ICA General Assembly on “Articulating, Living, Communicating, and Protecting” the Identity after a multiyear, international consultation with the movement. At the Assembly, delegates approved the resolution and called for a Congress to be convened to continue the dialog.
In the context of the conference goal of enabling supportive policies for co-operative development, Crowell was also invited to serve on a panel on “Living our Co-operative Identity,” where he made the case for protecting Co-operative Principles in law. Specifically, he pointed to the importance of ensuring that membership in co-ops continues to be reserved for users of the business — consumers, workers, and producers — as opposed to investors or external organizations, as described in the Identity and international law.
“Organizations live according to the rules and regulations that they are provided, and one of the challenges that we have is the degree to which the Identity is visible and enacted within law,” said Crowell. If co-operative businesses “are not doing what we say we do, if we’re not living by our values, we may squander the trust we have built up over generations.”
The dialog on the importance of protecting the Co-operative Identity in government policy was continued at a meeting of the ICA Co-operative Law Committee, where legal scholars from around the world discussed current legal issues such as the Uniform Limited Cooperative Association Act. Thanks to the work of the ICA, Co-operative Principles are recognized in international law and documents such as the UN International Labor Organization (ILO) Recommendation 193 on the Promotion of Co-operatives.
A high point of the conference was a keynote address by India’s Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi, attended by 3,000 participants from around the world, in which he highlighted the important role co-ops play in his country.
“For India, co-ops are a way of life,” he said. “For the whole world, co-operatives are a business model, but at the same time, co-operation is the basis of our culture. It is a lifestyle.” The Prime Minister described how the partnership between the Government of India and co-ops was key to sustainable growth, and how this growth “should be seen in a human-centric way.”
Prime Minister Modi also thanked the UN for declaring 2025 as the International Year of Co-ops. “In this Year of Co-operatives we will empower this co-operative spirit. We will move forward with this co-operative spirit and we will be empowered, we will be prosperous,” he concluded.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the conference via video message: “Co-operatives like the ones you represent demonstrate the importance of standing together to forge solutions to global challenges,” he said. He also spoke about the crucial role of co-operatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in light of the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development.
Also at the conference, DotCooperation launched its “Cooperative World Map” as part of the effort to increase awareness of the global co-operative movement in the coming year. The map will give co-ops unprecedented visibility on a global scale, showcasing our collective impact and reach, and supporting advocacy and collaboration among co-operatives.
The NFCA’s historic focus on the Co-operative Identity – living, communicating, and protecting our Values and Principles – is particularly relevant to this moment, and we’re looking forward to 2025 and the opportunity presented by the second International Year of Co-ops to continue to work together for a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future.
For more information on the United Nations International Year of Co-ops, please visit: https://nfca.coop/IYC.
Dorchester Food Co-op (MA) staff and board members.
As we give thanks this holiday season, we especially appreciate our food co-op staff, who are working hard to ensure access to healthy, nourishing food for all of our communities.
As we gather this month, we give thanks to all who work to bring food to our tables, from farms and producers to co-op clerks, cashiers, cooks to our own kitchens and those who prepare our food. Together with our members, directors, and supplier partners, we are building a more resilient and sustainable food system. Because when you shop at your local food co-op this holiday season, you’re getting more than healthy, delicious food and gifts for yourself and your family. You are also helping to…
Strengthen Your Local Community. When you shop at the co-op, more of your money stays in the community, supporting local producers, and building shared wealth. On average, local products account for more than 25% of sales at our member food co-ops (compared to 2-3% in supermarkets). Last year, our customers purchased over $120 million in products from local producers, helping to build local economies.
Support Good Jobs. On average, food co-op staff receive higher wages and more are employed full-time than in supermarkets in our region. Over 60% of our 2,545 employees are also co-op members, sharing in the ownership of their community grocery store.
Build Sustainability. Your purchases support sustainable agriculture, Fair Trade, reduced packaging through bulk buying, renewable energy, and increased efficiency — contributing to a healthier environment.
Grow a More Inclusive Economy. Food co-ops are locally owned and democratically governed by their members — more than 185,000 people like you who live and work in our communities — empowering people to work together to build an economy that works for everyone.
Control of our food system matters and working together our co-ops are already building this system. Based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, co-operatives offer a different approach to business. All are welcome to shop at your local food co-op, and we invite you to become a member-owner, joining with your neighbors as we work together to build more healthy, just, and sustainable communities.
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.
With National Voter Registration Day coming up in a couple of weeks — and national elections in just a couple of months — Food Co-ops across the Northeast are working together to enliven our democracy.
Food Co-ops are more than just a place to find healthy, local food. They are also community hubs, bringing people together to accomplish greater things than they can alone. As enterprises that are democratically governed by their members — the people who shop and work there — co-ops are uniquely positioned to support participation in our democracy. And with important national, state and local elections coming up in November, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is proud to partner with National Voter Registration Day again this year, encouraging co-ops across the Northeast to join national celebrations on September 17.
As campaigns heat up, elections this Fall will determine the outcome of questions big and small: from the role of our federal government in issues of social justice, food systems, and climate change to local issues like buying a new ladder truck for the local fire department. Unfortunately, every year millions of eligible voters are unable to cast a ballot because of frustrating stumbling blocks like missed deadlines, outdated information, changing laws, or other easily fixable paperwork problems. As National Voter Registration Day Partners, food co-ops can make sure that voters and soon-to-be voters know that election 2024 is far bigger than the two names at the top of the ballot and help them participate.
“Co-operatives have a long, non-partisan, tradition of empowering our communities,” said Becca White, Public & Government Affairs Associate at Hanover Co-op Food Stores. “Our co-ops don’t work without our members’ voices, and neither does our greater democracy. We’re excited to provide information and improve access to the vote, the most vital form of citizen participation in our nation.”
Co-ops are participating in National Voter Registration Day by:
Including a story in their e-news, reminding people to check their registration status.
Organizing a voter registration table outside .
Inviting local policymakers to speak at your co-op’s annual meeting or other event.
Strengthening our civic democracy is particularly relevant we look toward the International Year of Co-ops in 2025 and efforts by the global co-operative movement to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030. A plan of action for “people, planet and prosperity,” the agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which promotes “peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” Working together, co-ops can enliven democracy and help build more healthy, just, and sustainable food system and an economy that works for everyone.
Share this story in social media or in your e-news and add information about what your co-op has planned for Voter Registration Day. For more information and resources, visit https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org.
