You vote with your dollar, it’s as simple as that. Every purchase you make – from sheets to heirloom tomatoes, from washcloths to pet food, what you buy dictates the future of our environment and the value, we as consumers, place on it. For months I patroned my local supermarket simply for the fact that it is located a few short blocks from my house, but soon I grew sickened by the fluorescent overhead lights, the wilting legumes, the roach-infested aisles, and I sought produce and chicken elsewhere. I became one of the many Brooklyn-ites to cart home bags from Whole Foods on the subway: pricey, but luxurious greens, free-range chickens, gluten-free breads – until I learned that I could save a significant amount of my grocery bill (essential in these precarious times of living as an artist, working freelance) but still get locally-produced, sustainable, or organic foods.

This was some kind of trick, right? Because who ever heard of paying less for something fabulous? Enter the Park Slope Food Coop.

The Park Slope Food Coop, founded 1973, is the largest wholly member-owned and operated food coop in the country. In exchange for 2 3/4 hours of work every four weeks members save up to 20%-40% off their grocery bill. Owned and operated by its members, there is minimal overhead, thus goods are marked up a mere 21% on wholesale (as opposed to upwards of 300% at local supermarkets and the premium organic chains) and members reap the savings. With over 11,000 members and growing, members work the registers, unload shipments, wrap cheeses, sweep floors. There is a sweet comfort knowing that the food you purchases comes off clean shelves your cheeses and olives are packaged in sanitary conditions.

And the breadth of selection is outstanding. Six different types of pears, figs, obscure cheeses, Indian grains and spices, and delicious game – this is not your typical market. The Coop is a place where you can smell the heady spices, the fragrant teas, the crisp basil.

And consumers are educated. Signs warn of products that contain GMOs, you know what is organic, non organic or locally-produced. With cooking classes, seminars, educational panels, members are encouraged to get involved and take the green life to the next level.

Park Slope Food Coop
782 Union Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues in Park Slope)
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 622-0560

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