NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words
Comrades, a new bar has just been set for Park Slope Food Co-op navel gazing: “For such a scrutinized institution, little public attention is paid to people like me—co-op failures and near-failures who have struggled to stay in good standing and have stumbled in the cramped aisles. Like every other aspect of the much-loved and…
Comrades, a new bar has just been set for Park Slope Food Co-op navel gazing: “For such a scrutinized institution, little public attention is paid to people like me—co-op failures and near-failures who have struggled to stay in good standing and have stumbled in the cramped aisles. Like every other aspect of the much-loved and much-hated co-op, the topic of members in trouble draws a bushel of opinions. An organic bushel, of course…The co-op, a place that raises aspirations for society, makes us raise aspirations for ourselves. I am still suspended, but imagine myself someday returning and remaining in good standing. Nostalgically, I envision old friends and former roommates in the aisles, examining the white nectarines. But I wonder: couldn’t it be a little mellower?” —Flunking Out at the Food Co-op
Photo by Betty Blade.
I can’t read all these posts, but I find it funny how the coop arouses so much ire. It has its quirks, but offers great food at great prices and clearly does serve the community very well, given that it has 15,000 members, who are a diverse group (contrary to the beliefs of some people). I think people just like to rag on it but most of the people who do are not members, and tend to speak in broad-sweeping cliches that are actually very boring. Kind of the way people love to poke fun of Park slope without really knowing the community that well…
I’m pretty sure the author is having a good laugh at everyone’s expense (including her own).
The reaction only validates her point – people in this town have no sense of humor about themselves and their lives. It’s what makes the co-op so insufferable.
Get the joke people!
The co-op has it’s pros and cons…like most things in New York. They do have excellent produce at great prices. The prices on spices can’t be beat. I do much shopping at the co-op, but I also shop at other grocery stores too for convenience. My household also currently owes work to the co-op…so that sucks! But…If you don’t like the idea of the co-op, go to Garden of Eden and pay for the prices. Or Key Food tonight and your food will spoil by Wednesday. I do all three, it’s all about choices and money.
And yes…people from all walks of life shop and work at the Park Slope co-op. They take EBT cards, as do the Farmer’s Markets. Ignorance is blissful, embiggen your circles if you assume that people from all walks of life don’t live and shop in every neighborhood in this city.
CULT. The cart walkers are fucking funny. I won’t push your cart full of groceries only after I dropped you off. What kind of fucking stupidity is that. This place is fucking stupid. Fucking loopy. Who is making all the money in this joint. And if you really want to do something for the community SHOP AT KEY FOOD AND START ASKING FOR LOCAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS AT KEY FOOD
I wonder if the Coop would frown on a member paying someone minimum wage to work their 3 hours / month? I mean, an additional $21.75 / month seems like a real bargain for the “privilege” of being a Coop member. (Just kidding)
dreamking —
the people ragging on the coop on this thread are for the most part not members and they are not posting in order to try to improve the coop.
kind of like you. you don’t belong, you don’t know anything about the history or culture of the coop and the centrality of the work system, and yet you spend your time writing heartfelt critiques of the place. why?
the coop has grown exponentially in membership and sales since i joined over 15 years ago. i guess the leadership is doing something right.
“many many people for whom it is only a community or a ‘social’ choice”
This is the most frequently cited reason to join, in my experience.
Sounds like 15,000 members is WAY more than enough given the anecdotes about the lines, including bohuma’s 1:46 post.
Something is wrong.
quote:
There are many many low income folks that are coop members though
BULL-SH*T! and stay at home mommy’s dont count as low income.
*rob*