Why are Vermont co-ops so successful?

from Brave Little State · host Vermont Public

When question-asker Kate Phillips moved to Vermont, she was surprised to find three different food co-ops within driving range of her place. She then received a notice from her new electric company – yet another co-op. So, she started to wonder: What is the history of co-ops in Vermont? Why are they so successful here?VPR reporter (and former co-op manager) Howard Weiss-Tisman visits the oldest food co-op in the country and digs into the Vermont Historical Society archives to get to the bottom of Vermont's co-op boom. Check photos from our reporting here.Mentioned in the episode: “Everyone Welcome? Personal Narratives about Race and Food Co-ops” (from Columinate) The Rochdale Pioneers (from the International Cooperative Alliance) The Co-op Movement, 1919 (from the Vermont Historical Society) “Turning on the Lights: Electricity Comes to Rural Vermont, 1943” (from the Vermont Historical Society) This episode was reported by Howard Weiss-Tisman and produced by Josh Crane. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane. Editing and digital production by Angela Evancie and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Alex Burns, Regina Thompson and Elise Graeves and Kate Phillips. As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Vote on which question we should answer next Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Twitter, Instagram and reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: [email protected] Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public Radio. bravelittlestate.org

What this episode covers

When question-asker Kate Phillips moved to Vermont, she was surprised to find three different food co-ops within driving range of her place. She then received a notice from her new electric company – yet another co-op. So, she started to wonder: What is the history of co-ops in Vermont? Why are they so successful here? VPR reporter (and former co-op manager) Howard Weiss-Tisman visits the oldest food co-op in the country and digs into the Vermont Historical Society archives to get to the bottom of Vermont's co-op boom. Check photos from our reporting here. Mentioned in the episode: “Everyone Welcome? Personal Narratives about Race and Food Co-ops” (from Columinate) The Rochdale Pioneers (from the International Cooperative Alliance) The Co-op Movement, 1919 (from the Vermont Historical Society) “Turning on the Lights: Electricity Comes to Rural Vermont, 1943” (from the Vermont Historical Society) This episode was reported by Howard Weiss-Tisman and produced by Josh Crane. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane. Editing and digital production by Angela Evancie and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Alex Burns, Regina Thompson and Elise Graeves and Kate Phillips. As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Vote on which question we should answer next Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Twitter, Instagram and reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: [email protected] Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public Radio. bravelittlestate.org