Members of the Chenango Family Food Co-op welcoming customers to their "little red barn" on NYS Route 12 behind La Maison Blanc. (Submitted photo)

By Sanora Ross

NORWICH – Tucked behind La Maison Blanche bakery in Norwich, New York, there is a little red barn making a big difference for agricultural producers and for individuals seeking wholesome food. 

The newly formed Chenango Family Food CO-OP (CFFC) gathers unique organic products from many agricultural establishments in the region.  Their membership program delivers to its members a monthly selection of locally produced organic items like nuts, dried foods, beans, etc from a 500 mile region.  Other products include sourced international products like rice obtained from organizations like Regional Access that imports products.

CFFC members are united in their vision to give access to quality foods that support local farms and reduce the ecological footprint impacted by the cost of transportation from commercial food suppliers.  Quality of food is important to the CFFC family. 

Charter member Phil Metzger commented on the history of CFFC by saying, “A group comprised of Miby Kim, Trellen Smith, Deb Whitman, Canice Paliotta, and Ron Zisa got together and we discussed our needs for finding larger varieties of organic and locally sourced products to enhance our diet.