About Us
Northwestern Connecticut has everything needed for a strong local food system—dedicated farmers, engaged communities, and a demand for fresh food—EXCEPT a co-op! Despite the region’s strong agricultural roots, there is currently no member-owned grocery store serving this part of the state. We believe it’s time to change that.
We are a group of residents from New Hartford and surrounding towns who are coming together to create a food co-op that supports farmers, strengthens our local economy, and provides fresh, healthy food to our community. A co-op isn’t just a store—it’s a place where people can shop according to their values, knowing their dollars are staying local and directly benefiting their neighbors.
By working together, we can create a store that reflects the priorities of our community. Whether you’re passionate about supporting local agriculture, looking for more options for fresh food, or simply want to be part of something that benefits everyone, we invite you to join us in making this vision a reality!
What we've done so far...
In Winter 2025, we took the first steps toward forming a food co-op by assembling a steering committee, assessing community interest, and connecting with experts. We engaged consultants, attended conferences, and met with other co-ops across Connecticut to learn from their experiences and build a strong foundation for our own.
What we're doing now...
In Spring 2025, we’re moving forward by engaging an attorney, filing for incorporation, and beginning to raise funds through memberships. We’re also applying for grants and working closely with local lawmakers to ensure the long-term success of our co-op.
Why start a food co-op?
Boosts Local Economy
Support for Local Farmers
Support for Local Farmers
By keeping money within the community, a food co-op boosts the local economy, creates jobs, and helps circulate funds among local businesses.
Support for Local Farmers
Support for Local Farmers
Support for Local Farmers
A food co-op helps sustain local agriculture by prioritizing locally sourced products, benefiting regional farmers and food producers.
Member Ownership
Support for Local Farmers
Affordable Prices
Co-ops are owned by their members, giving the community a direct say in how the store operates, ensuring it reflects local values and needs.
Affordable Prices
Better Access to Healthy Food
Affordable Prices
Unlike traditional grocery chains, co-ops reinvest in their communities, focusing on fair pricing and quality rather than maximizing profits.
Community Building
Better Access to Healthy Food
Better Access to Healthy Food
Food co-ops serve as hubs for community engagement, offering educational programs, workshops, and events that bring people together.
Better Access to Healthy Food
Better Access to Healthy Food
Better Access to Healthy Food
Co-ops focus on providing ethically sourced food, which can be harder to find in large, commercial grocery store chains.
Our Steering Committee
Adam La Faci
Mary Beth Greenwood
Mary Beth Greenwood
Raised in New Hartford, Adam is a consultant with 15 years of experience in online program development and educational outreach for museums, nonprofits, and universities. Adam currently serves on the board for two nonprofit theater companies in the greater Berkshires area.
Mary Beth Greenwood
Mary Beth Greenwood
Mary Beth Greenwood
Mary Beth serves on the New Hartford Board of Selectmen. She is a small business owner and environmental training consultant, working in property management, contractor supply, and sales. Mary Beth has lived in New Hartford for over 30 years.
Kim Becker
Mary Beth Greenwood
John Burdick
Kim has leadership roles on local nonprofit boards in Granby, including the Education Foundation, Homes for Senior Citizens, and Ambulance Association. She also serves as a Justice of the Peace and on the Granby Commission on Aging.
John Burdick
Mary Beth Greenwood
John Burdick
John has over 40 years of experience in venture capital and merchant banking. A New Hartford native, he returned to his family’s farm 20 years ago and co-founded Mystic Cheese, an artisanal cheese brand. He serves on the New Hartford Planning & Zoning and Economic Development Commissions.
Dawn Whalen
J.R. Mortimer
Dan Steadman
Dawn is a nonprofit practitioner working mostly in fair housing, with 15 years of executive experience in operations and development. A New Hartford volunteer since 2006, she has been involved in the business council, women’s club, education foundation and many town events.
Dan Steadman
J.R. Mortimer
Dan Steadman
Raised in New Hartford, Dan is a computer programmer with over 10 years of experience. He also helps his family run their Christmas tree farms and serves on the New Hartford Economic Development Commission.
Nora Bishop
J.R. Mortimer
J.R. Mortimer
Nora is an executive function coach for New Frontiers, a business consultant agency. She has years of experience in Connecticut's human services public sector. Nora serves on the Barkhamsted Recreation Commission.
J.R. Mortimer
J.R. Mortimer
J.R. Mortimer
J.R. is a sports news editor for ESPN and the author of the book Mutual Aid for Beginners. He has over 15 years of experience in book publishing, website design, and retail merchandising. J.R. serves on the New Hartford Economic Development Commission.
