The Co-op Q&A with Jen Potter
Q: When did you join the Co-op and why?
A: I became aware of the Co-op when I moved to Clinton Hill six years ago. I moved around a few times but when I found myself back on Franklin Avenue, I decided to become a member! I joined because our produce is fresh, local and interesting, and some goods here are cheaper than elsewhere. The values, ethos and economic factors drew me in.
Q: How are you involved in the Co-op?
A: I started out as a cashier, and in 2017, I joined the Merchandising Committee. I buy all the “junk food”— chips, crackers, candy, chocolate, nutrition bars, and snacks. If you have special requests or suggestions, you can always email productrequests@greenhillfood.coop. In fact, a lot of our new products are a result of our members’ suggestions!
Currently, I am volunteering several hours a week building out our new co-op. I’ve been painting, installing drywall, plastering, cleaning and supervising. There are so many people I’ve met here while supervising and building out the new space. Many of them are brand new members who have worked here several times and hadn’t had a chance to shop with us at our old location! It’s incredible to see that level of ownership from our new members.
Q: What has it been like for you, volunteering as much as you have to build our new co-op?
A: One of the added benefits of helping with the build-out has been the opportunity to talk to other member-owners about their hopes and dreams for the reboot. I’ve been conducting an informal survey on what kinds of products they’d like to see carried.
I’ve also been having many meaningful conversations with people who walk in and ask “what this is all about?” We talk about the structure of our co-op, the importance of healthy, affordable food, and the neighborhood. Being here on Fulton Street, especially after we removed the front gate, brings people in to talk and we get to know people who live in the neighborhood and are excited about what we’re doing!
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I love to garden. I have a rooftop garden with native flowers and some edibles that I share with my downstairs neighbors. And this past fall neighbors and I planted daffodil bulbs in our tree pits as part of the New Yorkers for Parks Daffodil Project. This spring I entered by block into the Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest run by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), hoping that it would inspire my neighbors to take greater pride in our block. An added benefit was getting free tulip bulbs from the BBG! I also enjoy long-distance running, knitting, and working on my sketching skills.
Q: How can members help out with the transition into our new Co-op?
A: Anyone can sign up for shifts — we need all the help we can get! Additionally, I’m looking for support on the merchandising committee. I need help gathering price comparisons at the nearby grocery stores. Email Jen at jspotter@mac.com if you have some spare time to go comparison shopping.