A food co-op is a grocery store that is owned by the community. Unlike traditional grocery stores owned by corporations or investors, co-ops are owned and controlled by the people who shop there through an elected Board of Directors. Co-ops emphasize local sourcing, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
A dedicated group of volunteers from New Hartford, Granby, and Barkhamsted started this work. Now our member-owners span the northwest corner of Connecticut and beyond! Our Board of Directors includes community members with backgrounds in nonprofits, technology, agriculture, and publishing.
That depends on you! A co-op needs to show enough community buy-in through its member-owner count for food co-operative-focused lenders to help fund the build out of a physical grocery store. Building a food co-op typically takes several years, but we're working hard to open as soon as possible while ensuring we build a sustainable foundation. Sign up for our mailing list for the most recent updates.
Co-ops are community-funded startups that require careful planning. We need to complete a market study and business plan, hire a General Manager, secure a location, complete buildout, and ensure we have enough member investment to operate sustainably.
A professional General Manager will oversee day-to-day operations. An elected Board of Directors provides strategic direction and ensures the co-op stays true to its mission.
We're planning to locate in the northwest corner of Connecticut. We are already in discussion with co-op consultants about performing a market study to determine the best location. Our region has a strong agricultural community but there are currently only two open food co-ops in the entire state of Connecticut.
Ownership: Members own the store, not outside investors
Governance: Each member gets one vote, regardless of how much they've invested
Profits: Any surplus is reinvested in the store or returned to members
Mission: Focus on community benefit and creating a sustainable business.
Like most food co-ops, our plan is to be open so everyone can shop at the store. Member-owners typically receive benefits like discounts, patronage dividends, and voting rights.
We're signing up member-owners now, and you can join today for a one-time $200 fee or a $20 monthly payment plan over 10 months.
Every adult can buy one share, following the "one member, one vote" principle. However, you're welcome to donate additional funds to the establishment of the food co-op or to gift a membership to another adult who has yet to join.
Membership is lifelong with no renewal fees once you've purchased your share.
If members vote to dissolve the co-op at any point, funds are divided evenly among all member-owners unless a vote is held to donate remaining funds to a similarly mission-aligned nonprofit.
There are many ways to help:
Spread the word: Tell friends and neighbors about the co-op and follow us on Facebook.
Volunteer: Sign up to help with events, outreach, and planning
Become a founding member: Early members help shape the co-op's future
Attend Meetings: Participate in community discussions and connect with us in-person
Email us at hello@farmingtonriverfood.coop and we'll be happy to help!