About us

We are currently accepting nominations for our Board of Directors! Help us carry out our mission of expanding market opportunities for local farmers, generating jobs and revenue streams for our local economy and increasing access to local, affordably grown food! 

Submit your nominations online or during your next visit to our store. 

This special election period will take place April 18th - May 9th. Voting will take place online and in-store. Watch your email for announcements throughout the election process! 

Farmer Liaison

Sam White owns and operates Leaning Pine Farm in Mount Savage, MD where he and his wife, Amanda, raise grass-fed Black Angus cattle. A founding farmer partner of our co-op, Sam has been a dedicated Member-Owner since 2018. His passion for sustainable farming and high-quality, locally grown food makes him a vital part of our mission. When he's not tending to the farm, Sam is known to enjoy the Co-op’s Kitchen’s braised beef brisket (sourced from Leaning Pine Farm, Cozy Country Farm, and other local purveyors) ! Sam is excited to continue supporting the co-op and contributing to its growth as a board member. 

Membership Liaison

Elected to the Board of Directors in 2022, Elyssa is currently serving her second term. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she recently relocated to Western Maryland with her husband and four children. Having owned and operated a small business making and selling specialty CBD products in Nevada, Elyssa brings a valuable perspective to the WHFC BOD. Settling into small-town life as a vegan, Elyssa relies on WHFC for her every-day shopping needs and is invested in the success of the Co-op and our mission to provide quality plant-based options, humanely raised meats, and ethically sourced products to Allegany County. Elyssa and her family live in Cumberland and are enjoying their new-found life in Western Maryland and the natural beauty which surrounds us. 

Board Member at Large

Harold Taylor moved to Frostburg where he graduated with a BA in English in 1990. Harold first started cooking and gardening at age five. Growing up, he enjoyed exploring the ethnic restaurants of the D.C. area and trying to recreate their cuisine. Indeed, it was this passion for vegetarian and ethnic cuisine that led Harold and like minded friends to Gandalf’s Bar and Restaurant, a cooperatively owned restaurant specializing in organic and locally grown whole foods, vegetarian, and ethnic cuisines. Harold served as President at Gandalf’s from 1996-2003. With his extensive background in the cooperative business style and passion for local and sustainable food, Harold was initially drawn to WHFC as a volunteer on the Finance Committee before becoming our Director of Finance at the end of 2022 and eventually stepping into the role of General Manager in 2023. Harold has served on our Board of Directors since Spring of 2023. He also works as administrator of Savage Mountain Punk Arts. When not at work Harold spends his time translating Slavic, Baltic, and Celtic folklore into English, biking, x-c skiing, foraging for mushrooms and fruit, gardening & cooking.

Employee Representative

Nancy Castro has been a resident of Frostburg for over 20 years and brings a strong dedication to her community and fellow employees. She has worked at WHFC since 2023 and was honored to be elected as the employee representative on the board. With 25 years of experience as a foster parent, Nancy has developed a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to supporting others, qualities she brings to her role at the co-op.

Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Nancy and her husband have chosen Frostburg as the place to settle for their retirement, further reinforcing her strong connection to the area. Nancy holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia and she completed watershed-level water quality research at UMCES Appalachian Lab. She is passionate about our mission and the well-being of her fellow employees, making her a valued addition to the team.