The Co-op Q&A with Madalina Preda
Q: When did you join the Co-op and why?
A: I joined the Co-op in May 2017 as a trial member and became a full member-owner exactly one year ago this week!
Q: What is your new role at the Co-op?
A: I first started working in the store, stocking shelves, which was like a dream job for me as I love organizing. I knew since before I became a member that I wanted to be involved in operations and to learn what it takes to run a food co-op. I quickly joined the Membership team, answering emails, and am now co-chair. It's been a great experience to help build a smooth member-owner journey and to make sure our store has all the labour it needs to operate and to grow. All we hope for in the Membership team is that people find a job they like and that they feel fulfilled knowing it's their sweat, brains and heart that keep the store going.
Q: I hear you have an interesting story about why you moved to the neighborhood...can you tell us?
A: I moved here from Amsterdam, Netherlands where affordable, organic, local produce is a given. It was important to me to live somewhere where I could still have the same access to proper food. So I researched all the food co-ops in the city and looked for apartments in walking or biking distance to one. I chose Bed-Stuy because I love the strong sense of community here and because it's only a 6-minute bike ride to the Greene Hill Food Co-op. When I first heard the store might close, I freaked out. Ha! I'm very happy we managed to relocate and now operate in such a beautiful new space.
Q: What are some of the things you're looking forward to in our new space?
A: I think we did an amazing job with the new space and I think we're only getting started. It's great to be so visible and to have so many people walk in and be interested in becoming members!
Q: What are some of your favorite things to purchase here at the Co-op?
A: I'm always excited to see new produce that I hadn't even heard of. Just last week I bought Malabar spinach — something I didn't even know existed — and loved it! I think our Merch team is bringing us some amazing choices, especially in the bulk selection. I never thought I would be so excited about bulk Celtic grey sea salt, but I was!
Et cetera
Photo credits: website photo from our new website, https://www.greenehillfood.coop/; photo of DK and Japanese guests courtesy of DK Holland; recipe photo by Aly Miller; photo of Madalina courtesy of herself.
The Greene Hill Food Co-op Monthly is edited and published by the following member-owners (in alphabetical order): Liz Baker, Carola Burroughs, DK Holland, Alexandra (Aly) Miller, and Gitta Zomorodi. Contact us with any feedback.