Join Our Board

Claire Rafferty

I am currently on the Just Food Co-op Board of Directors, serving the remainder of another Director’s term, and I am eager to continue this work. I am passionate about food co-ops, particularly JFC, for its connections to local producers and its positive environmental impact. My history with co-ops is long; I was a member of Harmony Food Co-op in Bemidji for over 40 years. When my husband and I moved to Northfield seven years ago to be closer to family, one of the first things we did was join JFC, and the experience has greatly enriched our lives. A retired psychotherapist (LICSW), I now enjoy cooking, walking, reading, hiking, playing tennis, and spending time with my grandchildren.

My experience is well-suited to contribute to the Board’s work and the mission of Just Food Co-op. During my first eight months on the board, I have participated in interviewing and selecting a new General Manager, learned to apply Policy Governance principles, and served as the Chair of the Events Committee and a member of the Education Committee. Professionally, I owned and managed an independent psychotherapy practice for over 30 years, through which I gained skills in business practices, group consultation, ethics, and strong communication. My past community involvement includes serving on various committees in the Bemidji School District and on a fundraising committee for the local tennis association.

Looking ahead, I am excited to contribute to JFC’s continued growth and success as a tremendous asset to the Northfield community. Over the next five years, I would like the Board to focus on several key areas. First, we should continue to maintain and increase our strong connections with local producers. It is also important to continue investing in and supporting our Round-Up Partners and the vital community organizations they represent. Finally, I believe we should actively work to increase the diversity of the JFC membership and explore meaningful ways to decrease plastic use at the co-op.

Thomas Drucker

My wife and I came to Northfield in 2021 after decades of teaching at the University of Wisconsin — Whitewater (in the Mathematics Department). We had wanted to get out of the political climate in Wisconsin and my wife had pleasant memories of Northfield from years of graduate school at Mankato and driving home to her family in River Falls. We have not been disappointed in the friendliness of our neighbors and the opportunities available here. In addition to the chances for tennis and table tennis, I have enjoyed the chance to teach in the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium (of whose board I am currently vice chair) and to take part in the activities of the League of Women Voters of Northfield and Cannon Falls (of which I am past president).

One of the pleasant surprises of Northfield has been the existence of the Just Food Co-op. When we were living in Whitewater, we saw both local grocery stores go out of business, leaving us with a length drive when we needed anything. During our last few years there we have been members of a nascent Co-op, but it had not come to fruition before we moved away. (To the best of our knowledge, it remains in the planning stage.) While there is no shortage of groceries to be had in Northfield, the Co-op offers an alternative which we have been happy to take advantage of.

An advantage of the Co-op has been a selection of interesting brands beyond the standards available elsewhere. The employees have always been both cheerful and well-informed.  They have graciously passed along our suggestions for new items. The opportunity to help various good causes by rounding up at the register.

If I am to serve on the board, my primary objective will be promoting the visibility of the co-op not only to Northfield, but other surrounding communities who need healthy alternatives and an organization that lives their values. Highlighting the co-ops focus on local producers and enriching the lives of their patrons.

Laurie Brackee

Northfield has been my home for 37 years and food is very important to me. Since I was in my 20s, I have always been a member of a co-op or buying club. I have cooked professionally in a vegetarian restaurant and for a residence where I cooked for guests including those with special dietary needs. I am very interested in seeing Just Food continue to thrive. I think my knowledge, experience and passion for healthy food would be an asset to the board.