About the Farmington River Food Co-op

Northwestern Connecticut has everything needed for a strong local food system: dedicated farmers, engaged communities, and a demand for fresh food. All we need is a co-op!

Our Mission

We are a community-driven initiative working to establish a member-owned grocery store in northwest Connecticut. Our goal is to create a sustainable, community-owned grocery store that:

  • Provides access to fresh, local, and organic food
  • Supports local farmers and food producers
  • Strengthens our regional economy
  • Builds community through food
Community illustration

Our Board of Directors

Adam LaFaci, President

Adam LaFaci, President

Raised in New Hartford, Adam is currently earning a Masters in Social Work from UCONN. He has 15 years of experience in online program development and serves on the boards for two nonprofit theater companies.

John Burdick, Vice President

John Burdick, Vice President

John has over 40 years of experience in venture capital and merchant banking. A New Hartford native who manages his family farm and co-founded Mystic Cheese. Serves on local planning and economic development commissions.

Dawn Whalen, Treasurer

Dawn Whalen, Treasurer

Nonprofit practitioner working mostly in fair housing, with 15 years of executive experience in operations and development. Active in New Hartford since 2006 through various community organizations.

Nora Bishop, Secretary

Nora Bishop, Secretary

Executive function coach and business consultant with human services public sector experience in Connecticut. Serves on the Barkhamsted Recreation Commission.

Mary Beth Greenwood

Mary Beth Greenwood

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. Over 30 years as a New Hartford resident.

Kim Becker

Kim Becker

Holds leadership positions with Granby nonprofits including the Education Foundation and senior housing organization. She also serves as a Justice of the Peace and on the Granby Commission on Aging.

Saquana Seltzer

Saquana Seltzer

Saquana is a farmer, business owner, and community advocate based in New Hartford, CT. She is the founder and operator of High Silo Farm, a diversified organic market garden and heritage livestock farm focused on strengthening local food systems through regenerative and sustainable agriculture.

Daniel Steadman

Daniel Steadman

Raised in New Hartford, Dan is a computer programmer with over 10 years of experience. Helps manage family Christmas tree farms and serves on the Economic Development Commission.

J.R. Mortimer

J.R. Mortimer

Author of Mutual Aid for Beginners. Over 15 years of experience in book publishing, website design, and retail merchandising.

Join Us

We're in the early stages of building our co-op and we need your help. Whether you want to become a founding member, volunteer your time, or simply stay informed, we'd love to hear from you.

hello@farmingtonriverfood.coop

P.O. Box #46
New Hartford, CT 06057