Please reach us at farmingtonriverfoodcoop@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A food co-op is a community-owned grocery store that operates for the benefit of its members rather than for corporate profit. Unlike traditional supermarkets, which are owned by private investors or large chains, a food co-op is owned and governed by the people who shop and work there. Members typically buy a share in the co-op, giving them a say in decisions, such as what products to stock and how the store is run. Co-ops often prioritize local, ethically sourced food, supporting regional farmers and small businesses while keeping money circulating within the community.
Beyond just a place to buy groceries, food co-ops serve as hubs for education, community engagement, and economic resilience. They often host events, workshops, and programs that promote healthy eating and sustainability. Because they are driven by member needs rather than maximizing profits, co-ops tend to emphasize fair prices, quality products, and ethical business practices. Ultimately, a food co-op is more than just a store—it’s a community-driven effort to create a more sustainable and locally focused food system.
This project is led by a dedicated group of volunteers from New Hartford, Granby, and Barkhamsted, working together to bring a community-owned food co-op to northwestern Connecticut. Check out our Steering Committee here.
Creating a co-op requires time, dedication, and careful planning, and we’re committed to doing it right—without cutting corners—so our community gets the store it deserves. While it typically takes several years to have a new co-op up and running, our steering committee is hopeful to have it open much sooner. As we continue engaging with stakeholders in Spring 2025, we will provide an update on our anticipated timeline.
We are creating a food co-op from the ground up, with our initial funding coming directly from our community through their member-owner shares. This approach takes time, as we also work to hire a General Manager, secure a location, and complete the store’s build-out.
Once the food co-op opens, it will be managed by a General Manager, who will be hired by the Board of Directors to oversee daily operations, staff, and product selection. The Board, made up of elected member-owners, will provide strategic direction and ensure that the co-op stays true to its mission and values. This structure allows the co-op to be both professionally managed and community-driven, balancing efficiency with member priorities.
As a member-owned grocery store, decisions about products, services, and community initiatives will reflect the needs and values of the co-op’s members. Profits will be reinvested into the store, improving offerings, supporting local farmers, and keeping prices fair. Members will also have opportunities to participate in annual meetings, vote on key decisions, and help shape the future of the co-op, ensuring it remains a truly community-focused business.
We intend to establish the store in northwestern CT, though we have not yet chosen a specific location. The funds we raise will support market studies to identify the best possible site for a successful co-op. Northwestern CT is an ideal place for a food co-op because, despite its strong agricultural community and demand for local food, there are currently no co-op grocery stores in the region. A member-owned co-op would fill this gap, providing residents with better access to fresh, locally sourced products while directly supporting area farmers and the local economy.
Our co-op follows the principle of one member, one vote, ensuring that every member has an equal say ... in other words, individuals cannot own multiple membership shares .
Once you buy a membership, it lasts forever with no renewal fees.
If the board and members vote to dissolve the co-op, any remaining funds will be returned to the shareholders.
There will be no requirement for members to work at the co-op as part of their membership. Members can enjoy all the benefits of ownership without the need for volunteer hours or work commitments.
One of the most effective ways you can help move this project forward is by spreading the word. Share information about the co-op on your social media platforms, tell your friends and family, and encourage others to visit our website to learn more. The more people who know about the project, the stronger our community support will be.
Additionally, you can get in touch directly with the steering committee via email if you want to volunteer, offer expertise, or have ideas on how to promote the co-op further. Every contribution, whether it's helping to raise awareness or offering assistance with organizing, plays an important role in bringing the co-op to life and making it a success. Email us at farmingtonriverfoodcoop@gmail.com.
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