October is Co-op Month!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 1, 2024:

This October, the Brattleboro Food Co-op is joining over 65,000 co-operatives and credit unions across the United States in celebrating Co-op Month, observed nationally since 1964. The theme for 2024, “The Future is Cooperative,” was chosen by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) as an opportunity to engage co-op members, customers, employees, and policy makers about what makes co-operative enterprise unique. As businesses that are owned and controlled by the people who use them to meet their shared needs, co-ops offer an alternative vision for a more inclusive economy that puts people and the future of our planet before profit.

For example, a recent survey by the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) found that grocery co-ops across New England and New York State play a key role in supporting our regional economy, selling more than $121 million in local products annually — or more than 25% of sales on average. Taken together, the NFCA includes more than 40 food co-ops and start-ups that are locally owned by 185,000 members and provide employment for over 2,545 people, more than 60% of whom are also members, sharing in the ownership of their local grocery store. From farmer co-ops to worker co-ops, credit unions to mutual insurance, and housing co-ops to energy co-ops, co-operative businesses thrive across the U.S. economy, where 1 in three people are co-op members.

To help celebrate here in Vermont, Governor Phil Scott proclaimed October as Co-op Month, noting that “co-operatives and credit unions are businesses that are locally owned by everyday people who join together to achieve shared goals, solve a challenge, or meet a community need, together.” The document goes on to note the “co-operative philosophy of working together for the common good has promoted community well-being and improved the quality of life for the citizens of the State of Vermont.”

The Brattleboro Food Co-op has a number of events happening throughout October, including, a Case Load Produce Sale (Oct 18-20th), a Pumpkin Guess the Weight contest with prizes (Oct 14-25th), and many other Co-op Month Sales and Deals happening all month long!

“Co-operatives make a big difference in our local communities,” said Erbin Crowell, NFCA Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors of NCBA CLUSA. “But many people are surprised by how our movement and business model is also recognized around the world.”

For example, the United Nations General Assembly recently declared 2025 the second International Year of Co-operatives, acknowledging the contribution of the movement to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgent need to build a more inclusive, resilient, and global economy. Around the world, around 1 billion people are co-op members, and 10% of the world’s population is employed by co-operatives. Because they are controlled by the people who use them to meet their needs, co-operatives are rooted in their communities.

“The decision by the General Assembly could not be timelier. The innovative contributions of co-operatives for sustainable development will be crucial for accelerating progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as we approach 2030,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “The second International Year of Cooperatives will be an opportunity to mobilize all stakeholders to support and expand co-operatives everywhere, strengthening their contributions for a better world.”

Stop in at your local food co-op during Co-op Month to learn more about what makes co-operatives different. And while you’re there, look for the “Go Co-op” signs on the shelves that identify co-op made products. You may be surprised by what you can find, including dairy products from Cabot Creamery Co-op and Organic Valley, fresh produce from Deep Root Organic Co-op, fairly traded coffee, tea, and chocolate from Equal Exchange, La Riojana wines, seeds and bulbs from FEDCO, naturally fermented vegetables from Real Pickles — and many others!

For more information on Co-op Month and resources on co-operatives, please visit https://nfca.coop

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