The Co-op Q&A with Patrick Smith

Q: When did you join the Co-op and why?
A: I  joined in January 2017. I have always liked the concept of worker cooperatives and connecting with the food system more thoughtfully. In undergrad, I studied sustainable food systems and got involved in urban agriculture in the Bay Area. The produce also seemed really high-quality and low-cost.

Q: What is your role at the Co-op?
A: I am a Tuesday night cashier.

Q: Why did you choose the cashier role?
A: It’s fun to interact with all the member-owners who come in while I’m cashiering. It’s also fun to see what they’re buying and guess what they’re going to cook.

Q: What are some of the things you like about our new space?
A: I like that the new space is more visible and brings in more people interested in learning about the Co-op. I really like that it’s only two aisles. The layout makes a lot of sense. The space seems to get more natural light. And I love walking in and knowing that I helped put down the floors and paint the walls.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to purchase here at the Co-op?
A: Apples, coffee, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and kombucha. And bulk grains of all types. I recently installed open shelving in my apartment because the grains look so great in large glass jars.

Q: How has the Co-op changed the way you interact with food?
A:The Co-op has helped my shift toward a more plant-based diet. It’s definitely made me more thoughtful about what produce is in season. It’s given me an appreciation of how much goes into what we carry—I think more about what choices go into carrying a bunch of things, and being more selective about what we carry to avoid food waste, and our having a comparatively smaller supply than traditional grocery stores. I’ve also enjoyed the fact that the Co-op does not carry a bunch of different brands of the same item. It’s really cut down on my choice paralysis.