The Neighboring Food Co-op Association raises funds for the Cooperative Education Fund with its Neighboring Cooperator Award

The “Neighboring Co-operator Award” acknowledges special contributions made to the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) and the advancement of our vision. As part of the award, the NFCA makes a contribution to the Education Fund in honor of the recipient and invites other co-ops, organizations and individuals to do so as well.

​

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Cooperative Education Fund in honor of our Neighboring Co-operators, please use the "Donate" button below!

​

At our 12th Annual Meeting in 2023, the NFCA honors Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund, in appreciation of his leadership, commitment, and partnership as our associations have worked to build equitable trade relationships between Black-led co-ops in the U.S. South and food co-ops in the Northeast, expand access to education and training, grow awareness of the co-operative movement, and advocate for policies that support co-op development and efforts for social and economic justice.

 

Past recipients of the award have included Alex Gyori, former General Manager of Brattleboro Food Co-op (VT); Terry Appleby, General Manager of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT); Kay Litten, NFCA Board Member and longtime Director of Hanover Co-op Food Stores (NH & VT), Roger Noonan, President of the New England Farmers Union; Patrice Lockert Anthony, President of GreenStar Co-op Markets (NY); Joanne Todd, Director at Willimantic Food Co-op (CT) and CEO, Northeast Family Credit Union; JQ Hannah, Assistant Director at Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), and Glenn Lower, former General Manager of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op (VT).