Welcome to the North Country Food Co-op, a member owned natural foods cooperative and grocery store where anyone may shop and become a member. We began in 197 as a buying club and have evolved into a vital business in downtown Plattsburgh. The NCFC adheres to the seven cooperative principles and promotes sustainable communities and businesses, organic and fair trade practices, and local growers and artisans.
“Think globally, act locally”.
As a grocery store, the NCFC carries groceries, frozen foods, refrigerated foods, bulk foods, supplements and other health care products. As a member of our community (local, regional, and global) we are proud to put people before profits, and hold the ideal of a sustainable world for our children and theirs as our vision. We are committed to putting this vision into practice. In become a shopper at the NCFC and hopefully a member, you can help make this vision a reality.
Store Departments
Produce
Our produce section is stocked with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. We always strive to buy as locally as we can and work regularly with many local farms and producers, such as Fledging Crow, Quarry Gardens, and Juniper Hill.
Grocery & Beverages
Cereal, snacks, baking products, non-perishables, peanut (and cashew, and sunflower, and almond) butter… come in and take a look at our many local, organic, and gluten-free products. And, if you work up a thirst while you shop, we’ve got all the coconut water, probiotic beverages, natural sodas, and refreshing fruit juices to keep you hydrated!
Bulk
Buying in bulk is one of many ways to help our planet, as it cuts down on packaging and minimizes food waste. Come fill your reusable containers with local products like flour from Champlain Valley Milling and coffee beans roasted by Lakeside Coffee, as well as organic fare like dried legumes, pasta, granola, and honey. Plus, check out our HUGE spice collection!
Dairy and Refrigerated
Pass the cheese, please! We carry an extensive array of local and imported dairy products, meats, and vegan alternatives from North Country Creamery, Organic Valley, Daiya, and Tofurkey, to name a few. This is also where you’ll find fermented delicacies like Kefir, kimchi, kraut, and pickles.
Bread
With staples like hearty whole wheat loaves from Burlington-based Klinger’s Bakery, as well as sweets like muffins, cookies, and pastries, our bread section certainly rises to the occasion! Going gluten-free, or wheat’s not your treat? Not a problem—check out our Grocery & Beverages section for lots of tasty GF alternatives.
Frozen
Beat the heat with our delicious ice cream and dairy-free desserts, or pick up a quick ready-to-bake meal for dinner—perfect for your busy schedule.
Wellness
Does cold season have you feeling under the weather? Looking for the latest Dr. Oz suggestion? Chances are we’ve got just the multivitamin, dietary supplement, or homeopathic remedy to help you feel your best.
Health and Beauty
With products by Dr. Bronner, Weleda, JĀSÖN, and Vermont Soap Works, we have everything you need to make your personal care routine gentler on your body and on the planet. We also stock an assortment of fragrances and essential oils, if you’re interested in making your own.
Household
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore with products from Ecover, Miss Meyer’s Clean Day, and Seventh Generation! Well… it’s still a chore, but at least you’ll feel satisfied by a job well done, using products that help keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Gift
Need a gift that’s sure to touch the heart, but don’t have time to travel the world for that special something? Come browse our wide selection of global goodies like artisanal incense, candles, hand-crafted baskets, and jewelry. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind cards, crafts, and CDs by local artists, as well as Fair Trade and organic chocolates—we truly have something for everyone!
Our Staff And Board Of Directors
Carol
Supplement Manager – I oversee the store operation including but not limited to staffing, community outreach, NYS health code compliance, and implementation of Board of Directions polices
What I love most about the co-op are our customers. I have been with the North Country Food Co-op for over 40 years and never stop learning from our customers about service, about how we can improve, and the wonderful aspects of our community. I am so proud that we have grown our stock of local products which began as just a few products and now we carry local produce, eggs, honey, dairy, syrup…the list goes on. Lastly, none of this would be possible if not for our dedicated staff who exemplifies our cooperative values every day.
The product I would recommend most is our bulk section. Bulk food is the foundation of the co-op and we have hundreds of choices from basic to specialty items. All the products are great quality, buying in bulk helps you save money, and by bringing your own containers, or buying ours and reusing them on future visits, cuts down on waste. Further, you can control how much you want or need, or even try something new in a small quantity to experiment. Personally, some of my favorites are our organic oatmeal, nuts, spices and teas.
Susan
Assistant Manager/Produce Manager – I help Carol manage the store and assist the rest of the staff when extra help is needed. I oversee our produce, meat and eggs, especially trying to keep the products as locally sourced as possible.
What I love most about the co-op is our commitment to local farmers and our commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle for our community. Additionally, I am grateful to my co-workers, each for the talents they bring to the work environment. The products I would recommend most are our local produce, meat and eggs as well as our bulk spices. These products are fresh, high quality and sold for a great price!
Jeremiah
Project Manager – I am coordinating the ongoing renovations in the co-op
What I love most about the co-op is that it fosters healthy eating and community building at the same time. The co-op really helps make downtown Plattsburgh a destination for a lot of people.
The product I would recommend most is our in-house breakfast burrito, made by Patricia N., with a Field Day sparkling water. It’s a great healthy meal for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Ryan
General Manager – I manage our finances and Point of Sale system including but not limited to payroll, taxes, deposits, generating financial reports, inventory reports, and database upkeep and accuracy of the Point of Sale system.
What I love most about the co-op is our excellent staff and our dedication to providing healthy food, with an emphasis on local goods. Providing our community with these products and services is key to being a cooperative; By the community, for the community.
The product I would recommend most, besides our in-house prepared foods, are our eggs! I cannot live without our eggs! Since we get most of our eggs from local farms, this supports our local economy and provides my family with eggs from a trusted, local source where we know the hens are treated in a humane way.
Patricia N.
Deli Manager – I conceive, create, prepare and manage our in-house food options.
What I love most about the co-op are the people, our fresh food, and the shared vision we have for a healthy community.
The product I would recommend most are our pea shoots from Oregano Flats Farm in Saranac, NY. This product is cultivated with care at a local farm, it is always fresh even throughout the winter, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, and best of all it tastes delicious!
Kimberly
Health and Beauty Manager/Bulk Spice Manager – in addition to managing these sections of the store, I’m a Jill of All Trades with 15 years in the cooperative business.
What I love most about the co-op is helping, working with, and engaging with people to direct them towards their personal healthy lifestyle goals.
The product I would recommend most is garlic! Raw garlic, garlic tincture, garlic extract, garlic spice, garlic scapes…Garlic is an all-around good food. It contains a medicinal compound called Allicin which is effective in combating the common cold, can reduce high blood pressure, may improve cholesterol levels, and, of course, is absolutely delicious!
P.J.
Cashier/Enhanced Bulk Foods Buyer – Stocking and ordering bulk, tidying up throughout the store, and customer service
What I love most about the co-op is that we sell wholesome products at fair prices. It is a great job at a great business and one that I feel proud of. Although we make a profit, money is not our main goal – strengthening our community, and by extension our world, is our priority.
The product I would recommend most, for those without nut allergies, is our bulk Tex-Mex trail mix. For those who are nut-free, our bulk garlic sesame sticks. Both of these products provide a satisfying, crunchy, flavorful punch while being a more nutritious alterative to potato chips or other similar snacks.
Matt
Cashier/Member Outreach Coordinator – I have been a cashier at our Co-op for the past four years, but my responsibilities have expanded to include being a buyer for beverages and bulk kombucha, as well as managing our membership database and online presence.
What I love most about the co-op is having a community owned grocery store right in the heart of downtown Plattsburgh.
The product I would recommend most would be microgreens from Oregano Flats Farm. They are a wonderful local farm and are one of the only places in our area producing fresh food all throughout the winter.
Pat
Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Buyer/Cashier – I order our frozen and refrigerated foods, tidying up throughout the store, and customer service
What I love most about the co-op is serving our customers, serving my community, and working to make the co-op better. The products I would recommend most are our tempeh and bulk tofu. The tempeh has all 13 amino acids needed to make a complete protein and it really satisfies hunger. The bulk tofu comes from Potenza Organic Produce in Ithaca, NY. Both products are really versatile and can be cooked and served in so many ways – fried, sautéed, made into a sandwich, added in a salad, soup, so many possibilities!
Maria
Cashier
What I love most about the co-op is all the wonderful interaction I get to have with our customers.
The product I would recommend most our fresh, local produce, It’s healthy, fresh and organic.
Amanda
Cashier
What I love most about the co-op is being able to work for such an amazing community-owned business and be in the position to help our customers.
The product I would recommend most is apple cider vinegar. It’s a cure all – it can help you lose weight, help manage the common cold, and so many more.
Patricia W.
Cashier/Receiver
I like working at the Co-op because I believe in moving toward a more localized food system, and I like that the Co-op is a place that you can find those goods seven days a week in downtown Plattsburgh. I also like working for a community owned business.
The bulk room (spices, grains, beans, etc.) because it can be really cost effective! Also, the maple lemon yogurt from North Country Creamery, try it, and you’ll know why!
Board of Directors:
- Deb Yokum, President
- Maddie McGrath, Treasurer
- Nicholas Parr
- Shawn Strack
- Bill Teter, Secretary
- John Walker
- Tara Demers