Many of us have spent time wandering the aisles of food co-ops in Vermont or elsewhere. Even though each is distinct—some have a polished feel with gleaming floors, sleek shelves, and cool lighting while others exude a more cozy, funky atmosphere with wooden floorboards, twisting aisles, and vintage hardware—every co-op is thoughtfully stocked to meet the needs of their community and to support local producers. Coolers loaded with fresh produce; delis with hot and cold meals to-go; an abundance of beautiful cheese, meats, and poultry; ciders, beer, and wine; and of course, bulk bins offering grains, rice, nuts, cereals, snacks, and a plethora of pantry staples. Not surprisingly, Vermont has been a leader in the food co-op scene for nearly a century.
To learn more about these vital community institutions, I sat down with Erbin Crowell, executive director of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, or NFCA, and a member of Board of Directors of the National Cooperative Business Association. He shared a fountain of information about the intriguing history— and inspiring power—of the co-operative movement in the United States and beyond.
Read the interview at Edible Vermont
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