Membership Information

About the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA)

The NFCA is a co-operative federation of established and start-up food co-ops across New England and New York State.  Central to our work is the 6th Principle of the Co-operative Identity, which recognizes that “co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.” Regional secondary co-operatives like ours provide opportunities for our members to work together to accomplish shared goals such as networking, development, education, advocacy, and marketing. As the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) notes, association is also a way for individual co-ops to pool resources, knowledge, and experience for collective success.

As a second level co-operative, the NFCA is accountable to our Member Co-ops and depends on their participation and support to identify and achieve our goals. Together, we are working to support the shared success of our Member Co-ops and advance our vision of a “thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just and sustainable regional food system.”

Membership Levels

The NFCA is incorporated as a co-operative in Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our members are independent Food Co-ops across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York State, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Membership is open to Food Co-ops that are committed to shared success and the advancement of our vision, complete a membership agreement, contribute annual dues and other support, and attend member gatherings.

• Full Voting Membership (Food Co-ops): One-time purchase of a Member Share of $100, plus annual dues based on revenue.
• Associate Membership (Start-Ups): Annual Dues of $100.

Benefits of Membership

The mission of the NFCA is to support growth, innovation, and shared success among our member co-ops  through collaboration, education, and partnerships, including marketing and educational programs, regional sourcing initiatives, peer networking and mutual support. Benefits of Membership include:

• Democratic Governance of our association through election of and the opportunity to run for our Board of Directors in keeping with our bylaws and policies.
• Promotion of Member Co-ops on the NFCA website and in regional advertising, press, printed materials, social media, and outreach at regional events.
• Free Registration for Staff and Directors at most NFCA member gatherings, which include speakers, presentations, workshops, and peer dialogs.
• Peer Networking Opportunities for Managers, Directors, and Staff to build relationships and collaborate on topics related to governance and operational success.
• Communities of Practice focusing on areas of shared interest such as Healthy Food Access, Climate Justice (“Slash your Trash”), Policy Advocacy, and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership.
• Workshops & Trainings with in collaboration with partners such as the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University.
  
• Food Policy Education & Advocacy through NFCA’s affiliate membership in the New England Farmers Union (NEFU) and partnerships with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund and the National Cooperative Business Association.
• Free Resources such as our Co-op Jobs Board and list serves for sharing surplus equipment.
• Food System Development Programs such as “Cave to Co-op,” a monthly discount program for local artisan cheeses (where available), the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP), and collaboration with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund.
• Linkage with our Community of Co-ops through our E-News, member updates and social media.
• Promotional Resources to help communicate regional food co-op impact, the co-operative difference, Co-op Month resources, and special initiatives such as the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership.
• Educational Initiatives such as the Certificate in Applied Research on Co-operative Enterprises, in collaboration with the Department of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops.
• Support for Small Co-ops & Startups including co-operative incorporation, governance, peer networking for success, mentorship program, and partnership with Food Co-op Initiative.

Discounts & Services

• Free Co-op Jobs Board on our website, which is also promoted through food system organizations such as Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, National Farmers Union, and NOFA-VT.
• Local Product Promotions such as Cave to Co-op through Provisions International (where available).
• Discount on online election services from Simply Voting.
• Discount on Membership in the New England Farmers Union and related benefits.  Member Food Co-ops pay $100/year (reg $150) and your Co-op’s individual members can join at $15/year (reg $35).
• Cooperative Employer Health Plan Option & Fiduciary 401k Plan programs (contact us for more information).

Requirements of Membership

As a co-operative of food co-ops, the NFCA depends on the participation and support of its Member Co-ops to accomplish our work together, including:

• Appointment of Staff & Board Representatives to the NFCA in keeping with our bylaws and policies;
• Participation in Member Gatherings, including Management, Staff and Directors participation at our Annual Meeting, Member Gatherings, and other activities;
• Promotion of the NFCA and our programs on your co-op’s website and in newsletters, e-news, and social media;
• Participation in NFCA activities including sourcing projects such as Cave to Co-op (where available), peer networking groups, and other collaborative projects;
• Completion of a Member Agreement & Timely Payment of Member Dues to support our programs, activities and progress toward our vision in keeping with our dues schedule and policies.

Bylaws & Membership Agreement are available to Member Representatives upon request.

For more information, e-mail info at nfca dot coop.