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In this edition:
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A Global Gathering
In July, your Neighboring Food Co-ops joined Co-operators from around the world for the ICA General Assembly in Manchester, UK, and celebrated International Co-ops Day in Rochdale, home of the Rochdale Pioneers Museum.
“It was an honor to represent our co-ops at this global gathering at an important time for our movement,” said Erbin Crowell, Executive Director of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, who represented the National Cooperative Business Association at the General Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). “If our history has shown us anything, it is that when our communities face extreme inequality, division, and uncertainty, the co-operative movement has offered an alternative that empowers people meet their shared needs and aspirations through our shared Values and Principles. But we also know that making a difference locally means working together internationally.”
More than 400 delegates attended the Assembly, where representatives approved a strategic plan presented by Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the ICA. “Everything we do starts with our Statement on the Co-operative Identity,” said Douglas. “It’s a bold strategy but we’re one billion members so we need to be bold and self-confident.”
Key initiatives within the plan include championing the co-op advantage, prioritizing women and youth in leadership, enabling training and education, increasing co-operative advocacy, driving sustainability, and funding co-operative development.
Many side events during the week focused on raising public awareness, supporting business success, and influencing policy, including a symposium on co-operative law. In his role as chair of the Board of Directors of DotCooperation participated in several important dialogs such as the International Cooperative Entrepreneurship Think Tank (ICETT), which was created in 2018 to foster collaboration and peer-to-peer learning among large co-ops and co-operative groups in leveraging the Co-operative Identity. He also contributed to a presentation by the Cooperative Identity Advisory Group, which has been leading a global dialog on the relevance of the Values and Principles of our movement to contemporary challenges and opportunities. And at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, he participated in a meeting of the ICA Cooperative Cultural Heritage Working Group, which seeks to identify, protect, and promote historic and educational sites related to the global co-operative movement.
A highlight of the trip was celebrating International Co-ops Day on July 5 with co-operators from around the world at the Co-operatives UK Congress in Rochdale, where ICA President Ariel Guarco addressed the gathering.
“We are not simple enterprises, we are communities of people, millions of us, working collectively for mutual benefit, for meaningful impact at the local level, and for lasting transformation on a global scale,” said Guarco. “Dear friends, in a world that is turning inward, let us look outward. In a world that is growing more cynical, let us remain hopeful. And in a world where democracy is in retreat, let us be its most steadfast champions. Let us move forward with clarity, with conviction, and with courage.”
Guarco’s comments echoed the theme for International Co-ops Day, “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” which builds on the priorities of the International Year of Co-operatives in 2025. Focused on the contribution of co-ops to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year of Co-operatives is both an invitation to shine a light on the contributions of co-ops to a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable future, and a challenge to do more to contribute to efforts to build a better world for everyone.
For more information on the International Year of Cooperatives, visit https://nfca.coop/IYC
Welcome New Member!
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association is proud to welcome Tom’s Natural Foods Co-op in Clinton, New York, as its newest member!
Opened as a health food store in Clinton, NY, 1972, Tom’s Natural Foods operated for four decades before finally closing its doors in 2022. When the store ceased operation, it was clear that something was missing in the heart of the Village, and the idea of reopening as a member-owned co-operative was born. After more than two years of organizing, gathering community input, and fundraising, Tom’s Natural Foods was able to open its doors once again, now as a co-op!
Tom’s Natural Foods Co-op is run entirely by volunteers and is overseen by a Board of Directors, with plans to hire a store manager in the future. With a mission of providing bulk, local, and fresh foods to the community while supporting local farmers and producers. Much of what is stocked is produced either locally, in NY state, or in the Northeast region of the U.S.
“Seeing such strong support from our local community and what the reopening of Tom’s has meant to people, it only makes sense for us to reach out and become part of a greater community like the NFCA,” Hillary-Joy Pitoniak, Tom’s Natural Foods Co-op Board Member and interim co-manager. “In these turbulent times, the more sense of community we can create — both locally and more widespread — the better off we will be. That said, we are absolutely thrilled to be part of, and learn from, this vibrant community of co-ops!”
Please join us in welcoming Tom’s Natural Foods Co-op to our community of Neighboring Food Co-ops and learn more by visiting on our website at https://nfca.coop/NY.
Celebrating #CoopsDay!
On Saturday, July 5, Food Co-ops across the Northeast celebrated International Co-ops Day, highlighting the role of co-ops and credit unions in building a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Celebrated globally for over a century and first 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 the co-operative movement.
This year, food co-ops throughout our region celebrated the day’s theme, Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World, with social media postings, in-store events and getting the word out to local media about the positive impact co-ops have in their communities around the world.
“It was fantastic to see so many food co-ops taking the opportunity to highlight their impact and the difference co-ops make every day,” said Suzette Snow-Cobb, Associate Director for the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA). “We were delighted by the participation in our Co-ops Day webinar where we shared ideas and resources to help co-ops remind their communities that they an integral part of the regional food system as well as a part of a global movement.”
For example, Brattleboro Food Co-op (VT) hosted a 50th Anniversary Grilled Cheese Tasting using cheeses from co-operatives (including Cabot, Organic Valley, and Tine SA), while Flatbush Food Co-op (NY) created an info graphic on how they uphold to the ICA’s 7 Co-operative Principles. Belfast Community Co-op (ME) highlighted products from co-operative suppliers in social media posts and TipTop Food Co-op (MA) organized a special “Too Good To Go” sale, offering special deals to help reduce food waste (Over the past two years, TipTop has saved over 400 meals with this program). Using the NFCA’s outreach materials, Abundance Food Co-op (NY) was able to attract the attention of local television stations!
As part of its effort to help spread the word about Co-ops Day and the International Year of Cooperatives, and in preparation for National Co-op Month in October, the NFCA worked with partners at Cabot Creamery Co-op, Organic Valley, and the International Cooperative Alliance to distribute posters to all food co-ops in the Northeast, celebrating how “Farmer Co-ops and Food Co-ops Build a Better World, Together.” (printed by the co-operative printshop Collective Copies.
Working together, we are sharing the message that when you shop at your local food co-op, you are contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy. In spite of the many challenges we face, International Co-ops Day offers an opportunity co-operatives and credit unions to remind ourselves and our communities that co-ops are positive force, working toward a better world for everyone.
For more information on International Co-ops Day, visit https://nfca.coop/co-opsday.
International Year of Co-ops Spotlight
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has created a Global Working Group on Cooperative Cultural Heritage as part of its efforts to illustrate the movement’s contribution to more sustainable and inclusive communities, especially during the International Year of Cooperatives.
Cooperative Development Foundation
Founded in 1944, the Cooperative Development Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, strengthening, and advancing our Co-operative Economy.
Originally founded as the “Freedom Fund” to support the reconstruction and development of European co-ops in the post-war era, the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is today dedicated to promoting self-help and mutual aid in community, economic, and social development through co-operative enterprise. Through its funds, fiscal sponsorships, and fundraising, CDF makes grants and loans fostering co-op growth domestically and abroad, aids co-ops impacted by disasters and conflict, and supports research, education, and scholarships.
CDF also brings our community together to celebrate and strengthen our co-operative ecosystem. For example, the annual Co-op 5K is a fun, family-friendly event that not only raises funds for co-op development but also offers an opportunity for co-operators nationwide to join in a little friendly competition. Every year the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) organizes a team and invites your co-op to participate as we work to grow the co-operative economy.
Another example is the Cooperative Hall of Fame, which honors co-op heroes who have positively impacted and inspired our movement and serves as a major fundraiser for the Foundation. This year, the NFCA joined with the International Centre for Co-operative Management to nominate J. Tom Webb, co-op educator and founder of the Master of Management: Co-operatives Credit Unions (MMCCU) program at Saint Mary’s University. For more information on how you can contribute in honor of Tom and all of this year’s Co-op Heroes during Co-op Month in October, please visit https://heroes.coop.
CDF also works to identify opportunities for co-operative innovation as we work to empower communities to address urgent issues. Current initiatives include homecare, affordable housing, and supporting the next generation of co-operators through the co-operative leaders and scholars program. A longtime partner of the NFCA, CDF has supported our educational initiatives, development efforts, and member gatherings, and hosts our Neighboring Co-operator Award.
As we celebrate the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, we invite co-ops and their members to participate in CDF’s activities and donate to their efforts to celebrate, strengthen, and advance our co-operative economy.
For more information on the Cooperative Development Foundation and how you can contribute, please visit https://cdf.coop.
Partnering for Democracy
With National Voter Registration Day coming up in September, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association is encouraging co-operatives across the Northeast to become local partners for democracy.
“Democracy is not something you have, but something you do,” says Marshall Ganz, Faculty Director of the Practicing Democracy Project. “It is a verb. And we are creating it, or un-creating it, all the time.”
As businesses that are democratically governed by their members — the people who shop and work there — co-ops are uniquely positioned to support participation in our political democracy. And with 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 16.
While many people assume that 2025 is an “off-year” for elections, National Voter Registration Day Campaign Director Chyann Sapp points out that it is anything but, with more than 100,000 races taking place at state and municipal levels across 45 states.
“2025 is not just an election year, it’s an elections year with a big emphasis on the ‘s’,” said Sapp. “Whether it’s Wisconsin’s recent high profile state Supreme Court race, New York City’s mayoral primaries in the summer, statewide elections in Virginia and New Jersey, or the thousands of local races across the country, 2025 will be a busy year for democracy and National Voter Registration Day. And we’ll be celebrating the only way we know how: getting the nation registered and #VoteReady.”
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 2025 will be a critical opportunity to participate in community democracy.
Strengthening participation in our democracy is just one way that co-ops can communicate our difference and celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives in 2025 and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” which promotes inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and building effective and accountable civic institutions.
From Urban Greens Co-op Market in Rhode Island to Flatbush Food Co-op in New York, and Franklin Community Co-op in Massachusetts to Hunger Mountain in Vermont, co-ops across the Northeast organized locally last year, providing information tables for voter registration and election information. In 2025, we can continue to work together enliven our democracy and help build more healthy, just, and sustainable food system and an economy that works for everyone.
For more information on how your food co-op can become a National Voter Registration Day partner, please visit https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org. It’s easy — and when you do, you can receive free stickers and posters, customized resources, and assistance in planning your celebration of democracy!
Co-ops in the News
Abundance Food Co-op celebrates ethical values for an international holiday
Spectrum News
Abundance Food Co-op celebrates International Co-ops Day with community events
WHAM, Channel 13
Mission Investing at the Vermont Community Foundation Creates Lasting Local Impact
Seven Days
Has your co-op been in the news recently? Send your item to info@nfca.coop.
August Cave-to-Co-op Special
This month’s special Cave to Co-op cheese is Burrata, Maplebrook Farm, Bennington, Vermont
Maplebrook Farm’s burrata is handmade by master cheesemaker Dominique Marchitelli, who was born and raised in Puglia, Italy—the birthplace of burrata itself. Dominique crafts it true to tradition, stretching fresh curd into mozzarella and filling it with a luscious blend of stracciatella (shredded mozzarella) and cream to form the soft, buttery center.
Slice into one and the rich, creamy interior spills out—perfect for scooping with crusty bread or plating alongside fresh tomatoes and basil, or peaches and rosemary. Burrata also shines with prosciutto and figs, tossed into warm pasta, or enjoyed simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a glass of wine. Pairs well with Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and wheat beets.
Maplebrook Farm produces award-winning handmade artisanal cheeses in the Green Mountains of North Bennington Vermont. They use old world cheesemaking techniques to produce fresh quality products with 100% Vermont Milk which is Our rBGH & rBST-free.
Check out this summery recipe:
Herby Farro Salad with Stone Fruit and Burrata
Serves 4
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for the pot
- ½ cup farro
- 2 ½ cups thinly sliced stone fruit, such as nectarines, plums, apricots or peaches (about 1 pound whole fruit)
- 2 lemons, halved
- Pinch of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, more for drizzling
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup chopped basil or mint, or a combination
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 (4-to 8-ounce) ball burrata
- Flaky salt, for topping
- Red-pepper flakes, for topping
- 1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the farro and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the farro is al dente.
- While the farro simmers, add the sliced fruit to a small bowl. Toss with the juice of 1 lemon, the pinch of sugar and ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
- Drain farro and add to a medium bowl. Immediately add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, the juice of ½ lemon and olive oil. Taste for seasoning, adding more lemon juice and salt as needed.
- Using a slotted spoon or fork, transfer fruit to the bowl with the farro, reserving any juices for finishing. Add the red onion, herbs and arugula to the farro. Toss gently to combine. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice if needed.
- Place the burrata in the middle of a platter. Scoop the farro mixture around and drizzle the burrata with the reserved fruit juices. Drizzle the platter with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt and red-pepper flakes.
Recipe by Melissa Clark, originally published on NYT Cooking.
Each month, your Neighboring Food Co-ops feature our region’s artisan cheesemakers by offering a specially selected cheese at great price. Look for the “Cave to Co-op” sign in the cheese section at your local food co-op. To find one near you, visit www.nfca.coop/members.
Strengthening Local Food Security Act
Bipartisan legislation would establish a federal program to strengthen partnerships between local farmers, processors, food hubs, food distributors, and community-based organizations to deliver fresh, nutritious food to communities across the country.
The New England Farmers Union is proud to support the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338), introduced in July by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Jim Justice (R-WV). This vital legislation establishes a federal program to fund state, tribal and territorial governments to purchase local and regionally produced foods to feed communities and schoolchildren across the United States.
“Food prices are up and food banks are experiencing rising demand. We’ve got to feed those in need. The Strengthening Local Food Security Act makes family farmers and fishermen part of the solution, putting fresh, healthy food on the table in a cost-effective manner that strengthens the local economy too,” said Senator Jack Reed. “This bill will feed students and families and plant seeds of economic development for farmers, fishermen, and others throughout the nation’s food supply chain.”
This proposed program builds on the success of federal and state efforts to strengthen partnerships between local farmers and ranchers, processors, food hubs, food distributors and community-based organizations to deliver fresh, nutritious food to communities across the country. The Farmers Union continues to advocate for programs like these and partner with Congress to bring the legislation to fruition.
“Food security should not be a partisan issue, and I want to thank Senator Reed and Senator Justice for stepping up,” said Roger Noonan, President of the New England Farmers Union. “We know that legislation like this not only provides consumers with access to healthy, nutriotious, affordable food, but also strengthen our rural farmers and their communities, and we look forward to working for its passage.”
Read the full bill text here.
You can make a difference: Food Co-ops and their members in Rhode Island can send a message to Senator Jack Reed thanking him for his leadership on food security issues and inviting him to join the Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus. Members in other states in the Northeast are invited to reach out to their Senators and encourage them to support the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338) when it comes to a vote.
The New England Farmers Union envisions a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice. Neighboring Food Co-op Association members can join and support our advocacy at a special discount! For more information, please visit www.newenglandfarmersunion.org.
Your local food co-op is committed to our local farmers and producers, and August is a great time to check out all of the fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables in the produce department! Find a co-op near you at https://nfca.coop/members.
