Gem City Market Wins Startup of the Year Award
The co-op was honored in recognition of its innovation in fundraising and for building deep connections in the community.
Advocacy
Chico Natural Foods Co-op Uses Grant to Help SNAP Recipients
When the federal government’s emergency pandemic allotments to SNAP ended in March 2023, many co-ops were concerned about how shoppers who have relied on the benefit would be affected. Chico Natural Foods Co-op took action to make sure shoppers continued to have access to fresh produce.
The 2022 Food Co-op Impact Report
NCG’s Food Co-op Impact Report documents the economic, social and environmental impact of food co-ops. Based on data collected from co-ops through Co+efficient, as well as co-ops’ collective purchasing power, it gives us a picture of the “average NCG food co-op” and helps to illuminate the benefits of cooperative business for industry partners, lawmakers, co-op shoppers and our communities.
PFC Wins Humanitarian Business Award
PFC Natural Grocery & Deli in Kalamazoo, Mich., was honored for its efforts to provide space and resources to unhoused people in need.
Willy Street Raises Funds for Nutrition Incentive Program
The co-op’s Double Dollars Fund uses abandoned owner equity to support Willy Street’s food pantry partners around the Madson area, which will receive funds to use on fresh items that are harder to come by during the winter months.
BriarPatch Wins Community Engagement Award
BriarPatch Food Co-op was honored by the National Grocery Association for its PatchWorks Community Volunteer Program. Since PatchWorks was started in 2020, 341 participants have volunteered 21,367 hours for nonprofit organizations in the community.
Food Conspiracy Co-op Makes Big Difference on Small Business Big Impact Day
On Feb. 15, across 17 cities, financial platform company Intuit purchased $1 million-worth of items directly from local businesses — including organic hygiene products from Food Conspiracy Co-op — that were in turn donated to local nonprofits.
Erie Food Co-op Hosts Conversation Around Food Biases
To better understand what “healthy” means to the communities they serve and cut through stigmas around food, Erie Food Co-op hosted a staff conversation session and presentation by NCG Racial Equity and Food Justice Manager Gabby Davis.
Skagit Valley Food Co-op Donates $100,000 to Viva Farms
To celebrate its 50th anniversary and its continued support of local, organic agriculture, the co-op contributed to Viva Farms, a nonprofit farm business incubator and training program in Skagit Valley.
Celebrating Co-op Success Stories in 2022
Throughout 2022, we’ve shared a number of stories about co-ops’ community commitment and response to disasters and injustice, as well as the recognition they have received. To close out the year, we look back at some of the success stories that have inspired us.