The Co-op Q&A with August Bridgeford
By Aly Miller
If you shop with us regularly, chances are you’ve met August, one of our two interim general managers. In our interview, we asked him about how he became interested in food co-ops like ours, and we learned about his community organizing work with our neighbors a few miles east on Fulton Street.
Q: When did you join the Co-op, and why did you decide to join?
A: I joined Greene Hill Food Co-op in the fall of 2017, when I moved to the neighborhood. A few years ago I was a member of the Park Slope Food Coop and learned about the personal and community benefits of the member-owned co-op model. I really enjoy our produce selection and the Co-op's focus on supporting local, sustainably-focused vendors. An additional big added bonus for me is that we buy from vendors who largely respect their employees and farmers by providing livable wages and decent working conditions.
Q: What kind of roles have you filled at the Co-op over the years? What do you do now?
A: At the old space I worked as a floor attendant before helping to build out the new space last summer. Currently, I am one of two interim general managers. In this role, I coordinate with working members to ensure the store remains well-stocked, clean, and organized. I also oversee receiving deliveries and communicate with our produce buyers to ensure our shelves are full. Finally, I do some admin work, around approving members' work hours and updating produce prices each week and work with various committees to improve operation systems such as expanding signage.
Q: What do you like most about being a member of the Co-op?
A: Besides the access to affordable local produce and non-produce food vendors, I really enjoy shopping in a community space. I am at the Co-op at least three days a week and as a result, have met a lot of our members. It makes the neighborhood feel a bit smaller when you see Greene Hill members outside of the Co-op, and for a more enjoyable shopping experience when you know members at the store.
Q: How has the Co-op changed the way you interact with food?
A: In my current role at the Co-op I get to interact with a lot of our vendors. It’s largely encouraging based on the number of small-time farmers who come in excited to share about their products. It makes my shopping experience much more rewarding when I know not only the quality of the product, but also how my purchase contributes to supporting those providing the food.
Q: What do you do outside of the Co-op?
A: I enjoy riding my bike and being outside when it’s not freezing cold. My girlfriend works in museums, so I get to go to a lot of cool shows at various cultural institutions throughout the city. On the days I am not at the Co-op, I work as a community organizer with Neighbors Together, building power among low-income tenants and those experiencing homelessness. It’s based out of a small soup kitchen, also on Fulton Street, in Ocean Hill. You’re welcome to volunteer with us by signing up online.