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In this edition:
Please Feel Free to republish these Stories in your Co-op or Organization’s Newsletter or Blog, or Link to them in Social Media, crediting ‘Neighboring Food Co-op Association’ and linking to our website at https://nfca.coop.
Take Action for Food Security
Our communities are facing crises on several fronts: Family farmers are dealing with severe economic and financial pain, health care costs are skyrocketing, and funding for our country’s largest anti-hunger program has lapsed. Tell Congress to take action today!
Nutrition Assistance: On November 1, funding lapsed for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
The lapse in SNAP is harming hungry people in our communities and making it harder for us to fight poverty, while also negatively impacting food co-ops, community grocery stores, small businesses, and local farmers. USDA has access to a contingency fund for SNAP to at least partially pay November benefits, but it failed to tap this resource in October when it needed to.
Farm Economic Crisis: Recently enacted trade policies, and the retaliatory reactions by other countries, are wreaking havoc on our markets.
Crop prices are plummeting, input costs are soaring, and farm bankruptcies are rising. This is a perfect storm of chaos and uncertainty, and it is jeopardizing every family farm operation in the United States. Without swift intervention, many family farm operations in the U.S. are at risk.
Health Care: Health care costs are set to skyrocket in 2026, as funding for the enhanced premium tax credits – or subsidies – under the Affordable Care Act is set to expire at the end of the year.
These enhanced subsidies have helped lower health care costs for those seeking to purchase affordable health insurance, including more than ¼ of farmers and ranchers. If Congress fails to extend these enhanced subsidies, millions of Americans could see their monthly premiums more than double.
A court ordered USDA to use the contingency fund, and USDA initially said it would use those funds, but President Trump issued a statement casting doubt on USDA’s ability to move forward. Even if USDA moves forward to use the contingency fund to pay partial November benefits, many of these benefits will come late because of USDA’s inaction and failure to tap additional resources to ensure streamlined distribution of benefits.
What You Can Do: Consumers and producers are more likely to be heard in Washington, DC, when we raise our voices together.
ACT NOW: Tell Congress and President Trump that:
- SNAP must be fully funded. USDA should immediately restore full funding for SNAP by releasing SNAP contingency funding and tapping other resources to ensure we do not fall into a hunger emergency across the country.
- Family farmers need immediate economic assistance and long-term reforms that restore fairness, competition, and opportunity in agriculture. While immediate economic assistance is needed, that aid should be directed to family farmers – NOT to corporate monopolies.
- Temporarily or permanently extend the enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, to prevent steep hikes in health care costs from taking effect.
Join the New England Farmers Union! 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.
Governors Proclaim Co-op Month!
By Neighboring Food Co-op Association/NCBA CLUSA
This October, co-operatives and credit unions across the U.S. celebrated National Co-op Month, observed nationwide since 1964. Under the theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” this year’s Co-op Month echoes messaging around the Year of Cooperatives and raises awareness of co-ops as a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities.
NCBA CLUSA member Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) led the way this year in securing National Co-op Month proclamations from FIVE state governors across the Northeast. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott each officially proclaimed October as Co-op Month in their respective states.
Governors in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin also released similar Co-op Month proclamations recognizing the co-operative sector’s economic and social contributions in their states.
A thriving co-operative economy
Across the Northeast, co-operatives span nearly every sector of the economy—from food and farming to finance, housing and energy—empowering people and communities to take ownership of their economic futures.
“The cooperative philosophy of working together for the common good has promoted community well-being and improved quality of life for the people of Massachusetts,” Gov. Healey’s proclamation said.
The state is home to many housing co-ops, members of farmer co-op brands such as Ocean Spray and the Pioneer Valley Growers Association, worker co-ops such as Equal Exchange, Dean’s Beans and Real Pickles, and numerous credit unions.
“The Cooperative Credit Union Association applauds Governor Healey for recognizing the impact co-operatives have here in our region and across the nation,” said Ron McLean, President and CEO of CCUA, which represents almost 200 credit unions in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. “Co-ops—whether in finance, food, housing or energy—empower individuals to work together toward shared success and stronger communities. This proclamation highlights the importance of collaboration and local ownership in building a more inclusive economy.”
In Vermont, Gov. Scott’s proclamation lifted up co-operatives and credit unions as “businesses locally owned by everyday people who join together to achieve shared goals, solve a challenge, or meet a community need, together.”
The state is home to well-known co-op brands such as Cabot Creamery, farmer co-ops such as Deep Root Organic Co-op and numerous members of national co-operatives including Organic Valley. Member-owned utilities include the Vermont Electric Co-op and the Washington Electric Co-op, and there are numerous financial co-operatives represented by the Association of Vermont Credit Unions.
“As co-operatives, and unlike for-profit oriented financial service providers, credit unions are always working to strengthen the financial lives of individuals, families, and businesses in the communities they serve across our nation,” said Joe Bergeron, President of AVCU and a former member of the NCBA CLUSA Board of Directors. “This is why credit unions embrace their part in the co-operative community by helping ensure economic prosperity and fairness for everyone.”
“Co-operatives have a big impact in Vermont,” agreed Mary Mullally, General Manager of Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier and Vice President of NFCA’s Board of Directors. “In our state alone there are 15 food co-ops locally owned by more than 55,000 members, generating about $164 million in revenue, and employing more than 1,000 people. They are also engines of the regional economy, with an average of 30% of sales being local products.”
Putting local co-ops in a global context
“People in Vermont and across the Northeast know the difference that co-ops make in their communities every day,” said NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell, who also serves on the board of NCBA CLUSA. “But many people are surprised by how important co-operatives are across the U.S. and around the world.”
In fact, one in three Americans are members of at least one co-op, and the International Cooperative Alliance estimates that globally around 1 billion people are co-op members, and 10 percent of the world’s population is employed by co-operatives.
Thanks to NCBA CLUSA for allowing us to republish this article. For more information on Co-op Month, visit https://nfca.coop/Co-opMonth.
Welcome Chatham Real Food Market Co-op!
Please join us in welcoming Chatham Real Food Market Co-op in Chatham, New York, as the newest member of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association!
Chatham Real Food Market Co-op opened its doors in 2009 with space for a café, local and organic produce, local meat and dairy, organic and natural groceries, a natural wellness section, and a community room.
Founding members wanted a way to foster relationships between consumers and local farmers and food producers. They created a co-op with a mission to provide a place for farms and kitchens to sell their goods, educate their community about Columbia County agriculture, and promote a more localized food system where the food and profits generated are invested back into the community.
“As a well-established small co-operative, our goal [in joining the NFCA] is to create peer-to-peer support and educational opportunities for our staff and board members,” says Andru Moche, General Manager. “By becoming a member of the NFCA, we are actively embracing Co-operative Principle 5: Education, Training, and Information, and Principle 6: Co-operation among Co-ops. As we continue to grow year over year, the resources NFCA provides will be invaluable to us.”
Chatham Real Food Market Co-op is located 30 miles south of Albany, NY, in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. They are open to the public seven days a week and invite you to stop in for a visit next time you pass through!
Please join us in welcoming Chatham Real Food Market Co-op to our community of Neighboring Food Co-ops! For more information visit them and all of our New York member co-ops at https://nfca.coop/NY.
Annual Meeting Celebrations
During Co-op Month, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association joined members across our region at their Annual Meetings, celebrating their growth and impact, the service of co-op leaders, and the message of the International Year of Cooperatives: Co-ops Build a Better World!
“I deeply appreciated your presentation on the International Year of Co-ops,” said Ruth Garbus, Marketing & Community Relations Manager. “I do believe it helped our members get a broader perspective on what our cooperative movement is and encompasses. It’s such an energizing way of engaging with our co-op and our world!”
Can we help your Food Co-op celebrate at your Annual Meeting with resources and presentations on the impact of the co-operative movement? E-mail us at info@nfca.coop.
Peer Dialogs
Co-ops across the Northeast established the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) with the goal of providing members with opportunities for peer-to-peer networking, collaboration, and innovation, enabling staff and directors to build stronger relationships and support shared business success.
For example, in October our Peer Group for Food Co-op General Managers gathered for an online dialog on employee training and development, facilitated by former Hunger Mountain Co-op General Manager Kari Bradley and featuring presentations by John Crane, General Manager of Portland Food Co-op (ME) and Patty Smith, General Manager of Willimantic Food Co-op (CT). Participants discussed approaches to fulfilling co-operative careers including cross training, paths for advancement, and opportunities for training and education. A follow up session on continuity planning and succession is planned for the New Year.
The NFCA also partnered with Provisions International for an informational session for Marketing and Cheese Department Staff about Cave to Co-op, our discount program promoting regional artisan cheese-makers, and a presentation on holiday pairings and selections. Provisions staff also discussed sourcing of artisan cheeses, upcoming Cave to Co-op specials, and resources for learning about and promoting regionally sourced cheeses, including the Oldways Traditional Cheese Mongers group.
“Being a co-op in the middle of nowhere we are always eager to bring in [cheeses] that no one has ever heard of,” notes Catherine Cushing, Specialty Cheese Department Manager, Littleton Food Co-op (NH). “We have a good marketing team and it’s almost always successful.”
It was noted that since the launch of the Cave to Co-op program in 2011, our food co-ops have sold over 30 tons of cheese from 35 regional producers, helping to sustain our regional cheese-makers and connect them with consumers!
“We use the Cave to Co-op program pretty much every month. I rely on it,” added Beth Chevalier, Cheese Department Manager, Brattleboro Food Co-op (VT). “People know it, we have a special sticker, and they are really supporting our local cheese makers and that is really important.”
Missed the presentation? NFCA Member co-ops can e-mail info@nfca.coop for a link to a recording.
In addition to our Annual Meeting & Member Gathering in March, the NFCA’s Peer Networking Groups provide forums for ongoing communication, collaboration and problem-solving for Food Co-op Directors, Managers, and Departmental Staff.
Upcoming sessions include:
NFCA Peer Dialog for Bulk Departments
Nov 06 — 2:00-3:00 PM — Online
NFCA Peer Dialog for Board Leaders
Nov 06 — 6:30-7:30 PM — Online
NFCA Peer Dialog for Small Food Co-ops
Dec 03 — 1:00-2:00 PM — Online
For more information on participating in NFCA Peer Dialogs, please e-mail info@nfca.coop. For upcoming sessions and other events, please see our online calendar.
Co-ops in the News
Ed King of the Littleton Food Co-op on North of Normal with Amanda McKeen
Clear View Advantage, North Country Radio
Has your co-op been in the news recently? Send your item to info@nfca.coop.
Co-op Week Report
With Co-op Month in full swing, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association joined co-operators from across the country and around the world for NCBA CLUSA’s Impact conference and other Co-op Week events in DC in early October.
From promoting the business advantage of our shared Values to international partnerships supporting co-operative education, meeting with legislators to celebrating the induction of our heroes into the Co-op Hall of Fame, the NFCA was proud to participate in this year’s Co-op IMPACT conference and related events.
The Business Advantage of Co-operative Values.
This year’s Co-op Week began with a day-long training on the Business Advantage of Co-operative Values, hosted by the National Cooperative Bank (NCB) in collaboration with the International Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM) at Saint Mary’s University. To open the session, NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell co-presented with Martin Lowery, former chair of NCBA CLUSA and past ICA Board Member, on the “Value of Values,” focusing on the evolution of the Co-operative Principles leading up to the approval of the Statement on the Co-operative Identity in 1995 – the first time that the Values were included as foundational to the co-op enterprise model. Other presentations discussed the competitive advantage of values-led business and examples including rural electric co-ops, credit unions, and the member co-ops of the NFCA. A shorter, online version of the training is being scheduled for February.
The NFCA also joined ICCM, the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), and NCBA CLUSA in signing an agreement with the Co-operative College of the Philippines and CLIMBS Life & General Insurance Cooperative to foster international collaboration in co-operative education, strengthening youth engagement, supporting research, creating opportunities for highlighting the role of co-ops in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustaining the global solidarity of the co-operative movement.
Co-op IMPACT.
On Wednesday and Thursday, hundreds of co-operators from across sectors gathered in DC, for NCBA CLUSA’s 9th Annual Cooperative IMPACT Conference. During a year that brought policy and funding shifts that will alter the country’s co-operative landscape for years to come, the conference was an opportunity to come together and move forward with strategy, clarity and purpose.
It was also a reminder that co-operatives were created to address market failures and respond to structural crises. From empowering people to access healthy affordable food to powering rural America when it wasn’t profitable, providing communities with financial services to tackling a broken care economy, co-ops thrive in the face of uncertainty.
In this light, the conference offered speakers, workshops, panels and dialogs designed to engage and energize co-operators as we work to address challenges opportunities in our economy and society. There was also opportunity for celebration with the presentation of the 2025 Cooperative IMPACT Champion Awards, which recognize individuals in public service who work tirelessly to create a policy environment that allows co-operative businesses to grow and thrive. This year’s recipients were no exception: Representative David Valadao (R-CA) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who accepted her award in person.
Senator Klobuchar brought IMPACT attendees “greetings from the state of Minnesota where, in the words of our poet laureate Garrison Keillor, ‘the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and all the co-ops are above average. It means a lot to get this award. I want to thank you for the work you do to help families and communities, and for having the backs of the people you serve,” she said, noting how credit unions are offering bridge loans to support federal workers during the shutdown.
“I continue to believe that courage is standing next to someone you don’t always agree with for the betterment of your community and this country” — a spirit that co-ops demonstrate, Sen. Klobuchar said, adding, “We need a little bit of that co-op spirit over on Capitol Hill.”
Hiking the Hill.
In the midst of the federal government shutdown, NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell joined 70 co-operators on Capitol Hill for NCBA CLUSA’s third annual Hike the Hill event. Representing all sectors of the co-op economy including food co-ops and worker co-ops, rural electric and farmer co-ops, housing co-ops and credit unions, participants met with legislative staff in 32 different Congressional offices, focusing on issues critical to the co-operative movement, including:
- Preserving the Tax Status for Co-operatives and Credit Unions as user-owned and governed not-for-profit enterprises.
- Increasing Affordable Housing through Co-operatives with a focus on models that provide permanently affordable housing and democratic control for limited-income residents.
- Fully Implementing the Main Street Employee Ownership Act by waiving the personal loan guarantee requirement for co-ops under SBA’s 7(a)-loan program.
- Reauthorizing the 2025 Farm Bill and supporting food co-ops and local producers through a strong Nutrition Title.
Crowell’s team, which included representatives from NCBA CLUSA, Cooperative Coffees, and Equal Exchange, had the opportunity to meet with Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s office, where we thanked her for her support of our region’s food co-ops and participation in NCBA CLUSA’s Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus, as well as staffers for Republican Senators and Representatives who shared our concerns about issues affecting farmers, co-ops, and rural America. While we were meeting under the cloud of gridlock, it is critical for co-operators to continue to work together to build relationships for the future when we can move advance co-op friendly legislation.
J. Tom Webb Inducted into the Co-op Hall of Fame.
On Thursday evening, October 9, the NFCA was honored to join our partners at the International Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM) and CLIMBS Co-op in inducting J. Tom Webb into the Co-op Hall of Fame. Webb’s induction was in recognition of his contribution to co-operative education and specifically the establishment of the Master of Management: Co-operatives & Credit Unions (MMCCU) program at Saint Mary’s University, which has touched many leaders in our region’s food co-op movement as well as other co-operative sectors in the U.S. and around the world. From this foundation, the International Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM) has grown to offer a variety of programs from degrees to certificates, executive education to learning tours, all centered on the cooperative model of business.
“Back in 2014, I had the honor of serving as keynote at an early Annual Meeting of your Neighboring Food Co-op Association where I offered my perspective on ‘The Co-operative Advantage in Challenging Times’ — a message that, sadly, would seem to be just as relevant today, if not more so,” said Tom in his acceptance message. “I am not an optimist nor a pessimist but a ‘hopefulist.’ And I am hopeful that we will soon see a surge in co-operation and mutual self-help, community by community, to create the means to make it happen locally and around the world. And I know that our commitment to education and training rooted in the Co-operative Identity — to empowering the next generation — will be the key to building a better world for everyone.”
Though technically retired, Webb continues to contribute to the movement through his service on co-op and credit union Boards, the work of his consultancy, Global Cooperation, and countless articles. His book, From Corporate Globalization to Global Cooperation: We Owe It to Our Grandchildren, brings together the insights of a lifetime of researching, organizing, teaching, and practicing co-operation.
The Co-op Hall of Fame also serves a fundraiser for CDF at a critical time for our movement, and the NFCA wants to thank our member co-ops for contributing to our sponsorship, along with our partners at BECU, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, CoBank, Co-operative Group UK, Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, Credit Unions in Atlantic Canada, DotCoop, Ralph K. Morris Foundation, and VME Co-op — and 39 individuals that have been touched by Tom’s work. Webb joined fellow 2025 Co-op Hall of Fame inductees Lori Capouch, Randy Lee, and Estelle Witherspoon.
Our National Cross-Sector Co-operative Association
In addition to organizing the annual Cooperative IMPACT Conference, NCBA CLUSA is our national cross-sector apex association, working to build a better world and a more inclusive economy that empowers people to contribute to shared prosperity and well-being for themselves and future generations. The NFCA recognizes the critical role of NCBA CLUSA in developing, advancing, and protecting co-operative enterprise and has been proud to partner with them in education, advocacy, and other activities.
Recent cuts in federal funding have impacted NCBA CLUSA, which has a rich history in both domestic and international co-operative development. In the spirit of the 6th Principle of the Co-operative Identity, which recognizes that co-ops “serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures,” we encourage our member co-ops to join NCBA CLUSA as we work to strengthen membership in our national apex association. In celebration of the Year of Cooperatives, members of NFCA are eligible for a 50% discount on 2026 membership with NCBA CLUSA if they join by the end of the year. (Note that you can also join as an individual supporter!)
We know that our co-ops are stronger when we work together through our regional, national, and international associations. At this critical time for our co-operative movement, and we encourage you to get involved.
For more information on how NFCA member food co-ops can receive a discount on membership in NCBA CLUSA, please visit https://ncba.coop/membership.
October Cave-to-Co-op Special
This month’s special cheese is Cranberry Windsordale from Vermont Farmstead in South Woodstock, VT
Founded in 2009 in South Woodstock on the site of a former water-buffalo dairy, Vermont Farmstead has grown into an award-winning artisan creamery dedicated to raw-milk cheesemaking, respectful farming, and regional craft. Earlier this year, Vermont Farmstead brought the historic Grafton Village Cheese brand into its fold, combining two legacy Vermont cheesemakers under a shared roof of values and distribution strength. Both operations continue under their existing names, producing handcrafted cheeses made from small-farm milk, while benefiting from collaboration in sourcing, aging, and national reach. When you bring home one of their cheeses, you’re bringing a slice of storied cheesemaking heritage, the flavor of place, and the spirit of independent craft.
The entire line of Vermont Farmstead cheeses is made in small batches at the farm and creamery in South Woodstock, Vermont. The farmstead milk comes from their mixed herd of Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn. This blend makes for exceptional milk, with each breed contributing a different component for a unique and excellent combination for cheese.
Whole cranberries burst with tart flavor in this raw-milk, British-style Windsordale cheese, made with a late 1800 farmhouse Wensleydale recipe. This delicious hard cheese has a honeyed aftertaste and firm, flaky texture that loves that additional cranberry zing.
Cranberry Windsordale pairs well with sparkling cider, off-dry Riesling, toasted pecans, buttery shortbread, roasted turkey, and pear compote. The perfect cheese for a holiday cheese board!
Recipes of apple galette, cranberry–cheese biscuits, pear & Windsordale crostini, fall harvest salad, or turkey panini all are excellent using Windsordale. More recipes can be found here. Try this Cranberry and Apple Cake for your next family or friends gathering.
Windsordale Cranberry & Apple Cake
Featuring Vermont Farmstead Cranberry Windsordale Cheese
Makes 4 Servings
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4.4 oz (~½ cup) Cranberry Windsordale cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (for topping)
- Preheat oven to 325 °F (170 °C). Grease an 8-inch round or springform pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk. Sift in flour and baking powder, then fold until just combined.
- Fold in ¾ of the apple slices and the crumbled Cranberry Windsordale cheese.
- Spoon batter into the pan. Arrange remaining apple slices on top and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake 50–55 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.
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.
Upcoming Events
NOFA-NY’s Winter Conference convenes hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about advancing organic principles that create better food and farming systems.
