About
A diverse community of producers and consumers
We are the founding board members of Screw City Food Co-Op. We are dreamers and lovers of all things local, sustainable, and healthy. We believe the greater Rockford Area deserves a grocery store chain that has the community as their top priority and is owned and operated by the very community it serves.
With humility, gratitude, and patience we strive to meet the needs of our diverse community, bringing us closer and stronger, increasing the value and vitality of our land and community. A community owned grocery story is the only way to guarantee access to nutrient-rich, sustainably and locally produced goods. We strive to support our local farmers, allowing them to focus on the fields and yields by facilitating consumer access to their goods.
About the officers
Brian Wood, President
Brian was born and raised in Illinois, and he has lived all over the state. He and his wife Stevie moved to the Rockford area in 2020, and they've been planting vegetables, fruit trees, and more on their 2-acre property. Brian comes from a family of farmers and gardeners, and he's been interested in sustainability, community, and locally sourced food since he was young.
Brian is the newest member of the Board at Screw City Food Co-op and is currently serving as President. He is excited to bring new ideas and energy to the project. He's always eager to hear from the community, so feel free to email him with questions or ideas!
Susan Wheeler, Vice President
Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Susan transplanted to Rockford in 2003. She is a local food lover who truly appreciates farmers. Susan and her husband, Jason, owned and operated a local restaurant, The Wild Rhubarb, for seven years.
Susan is one of the incorporators of Screw City Food Co-op and currently holds the position of Vice President. She believes that becoming an owner of Screw City Food Co-op makes you a part of something bigger: a community of people taking our nourishment into our own hands.
"Let's fasten ourselves to the possibilities that Screw City Food Co-op can do for our community!"
Raymond Garcia, Treasurer
Raymond moved to Illinois from his native San Antonio, TX in 1990. He retired from the medical profession in 2016 and was a Scoutmaster of Troop 411 for three years. Since 2016, he has owned a five acre farmette where he enjoys raising pigs, chickens, and turkeys. His wife Sharon has also taught him how to be a gardener.
He joined Screw City Food Co-op in 2018 and has held the position of Treasurer for the last four years.
Raymond lives by the farmer wisdom: “There is no diet that will do what eating healthy does.”