1.What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

The co-op community gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling that it is possible for humans to work together for the greater good.  Food is the foundation around which the co-op is forming, and truly, food is the foundation of life.  So the movement created by the co-op is truly foundational work for our community.  To build a community store that sources nutrient dense, organic, and locally grown food is an essential service.  As a farmer, I love being part of creating a food system in our community, and I am so grateful to have organizations like the Electric City Community Grocery Store joining me in the hard work required to create a just and sustainable food system.  So being part of the co-op community is truly part of my life's work - to build a regenerative food system.

2.What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

Though we grow a lot of our own food and then buy or trade for much more at the regional farmers markets, I currently have to drive 45 minutes from our home in Amsterdam to access organic food.  To be able to stop in at the Electric City Co-op on my way home from the Sunday Greenmarket will simplify my life so much!  Or if I run out of supplies mid week, I will only need to drive 20 minutes to get to an organic and ethical grocer.  I'm guessing there are lots of other folks living out in rural Montgomery County who are going to be ecstatic about a co-op in Schenectady.  

3. What do you love about Schenectady?

Schenectady has such a thriving community.  The Greenmarket is my absolute favorite place in Schenectady.  Besides being a year round source for local food, the Schenectady Greenmarket has a strong drive to make a positive impact on the community.  The market is run by an inspiring group of volunteer community members and they are running the most awesome program - The Food Box, which buys full price items from farmers and then offers a subsidized box for low income shoppers, who can also use EBT to purchase the box.  Not only does this program support our most vulnerable community of low income folks to get access to the freshest and most nutrient dense food, it truly makes an impact on our farms as a small subsidy for our hard work of growing, especially in the slow winter months.