The Co-op Q&A with Shreema Mehta

By Patrick Pauley

Shreema Mehta is a true longtime New Yorker: she is originally from Long Island and has lived in Brooklyn for the past four years. Shreema works in sustainability and communications, and is currently starting a climate-smart food business called Climate Cookery, which creates modern foods from traditional foods overlooked by the industrial food system. She plans to launch next month, which has been keeping her very busy! Outside of work, Shreema likes to read, dance, go to museums and shows and explore neighborhoods in New York.

Q: What motivated you to join the Co-op?

A: I’ve long been interested in sustainable agriculture and building a better food system. I joined to support the mission of the Co-op: to provide a sustainable, affordable alternative to our dominant food system, which has too many environmental and social problems to describe here. I love that the Co-op helps build community and very much appreciate the lower prices for organic foods!

Q: Why did you leave the Co-op, and what led to your return?

A: When I moved to Bed-Stuy last year, I found myself a bit far from the Co-op. I was working a long-hour PR job and just didn’t have the time to make the trip. Now I have a much more flexible lifestyle, with the time to go out of my way to enjoy the benefits of the Co-op.

Q: Can you describe your work at the Co-op? Have your roles and responsibilities changed since the COVID-19 outbreak?

A: I write the Community articles in the Monthly newsletter, where I spotlight different businesses and organizations in the Brooklyn neighborhoods the Co-op serves. Most recently, I interviewed and wrote an article about Radix Media, a worker-owned printmaking cooperative.

Q: What do you enjoy about your Co-op work?

A: I love learning about the amazing things our neighbors are doing. Even during these tough times, Brooklyn is full of energy and creativity.

Q: What are your goals in the coming year at the Co-op? 

A: My goals are to continue showcasing our community, and to see whether the Co-op might want to sell my first product (a tamarind hot sauce) once Climate Cookery launches!

Q: What’s your favorite thing to shop for at the Co-op? 

A: I like trying new grains in the bulk section and all the chocolates!

Q: What’s your favorite hidden—or not so hidden—gem about the Co-op? 

A: I’d say the really wide range of organic produce, much more than what you might think looking at the store from the outside.

Q: Anything you’d like to see more of at the Co-op, whether it’s a product or practice?

A: No, don't think so :)