Editor's Note: Anna has also been instrumental in organizing the South Philly Garden Tour. Through her efforts and the hard work of many others, the tour is up to 20 different gardens and is on track to be a great event and a unique experience. So for that, Anna becomes Reason #6 to do the South Philly Garden Tour... a lot of great, talented people have put in a lot of time to make this happen so you know it's going to be a good time. Click here for more info and a link to buy your tickets online.

On which committee do you serve?

Outreach

What do you do for a living?

I am currently the Volunteer and Internship Coordinator at WHYY, but will soon be a full time graduate student at UPenn focusing on urban greening efforts and non-profit management.

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

I heard about the effort through a few different grape vines, and was just thrilled to pieces.  I immediately wanted to contribute my time and knowledge to help in making the co-op a reality.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

I've been a co-op member in various places I've lived and have loved the whole experience - the food options as well as the people. Although Philadelphia as a whole is not devoid of co-ops, South Philly is definitely lacking. When I imagine South Philly having the stronger community that a co-op brings, as well as the local and organically grown produce and other products that it will stock, I get happy.

Why should people join a food co-op?

It's an investment in the overall health and vibrancy of our community and supports the local economy; with that, it combines two of my favorite things!  Food and people.

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

Its summer time so beets and greens! Beets and greens!

Beet and rainbow chard lasagne (smash up some sweet potatoes into that ricotta!)

Also, less of a meal and more of a side but delicious all the same:
Roasted Beet (red, golden and candy-striped beets) and herbed goat cheese tart).

Holy delicious!

Editor's Note: Anna has also been instrumental in organizing the South Philly Garden Tour. Through her efforts and the hard work of many others, the tour is up to 20 different gardens and is on track to be a great event and a unique experience. So for that, Anna becomes Reason #6 to do the South Philly Garden Tour... a lot of great, talented people have put in a lot of time to make this happen so you know it's going to be a good time. Click here for more info and a link to buy your tickets online. On which committee do you serve? Outreach What do you do for a living? I am currently the Volunteer and Internship Coordinator at WHYY, but will soon be a full time graduate student at UPenn focusing on urban greening efforts and non-profit management. How did you get involved with the food co-op? I heard about the effort through a few different grape vines, and was just thrilled to pieces.  I immediately wanted to contribute my time and knowledge to help in making the co-op a reality. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? I've been a co-op member in various places I've lived and have loved the whole experience - the food options as well as the people. Although Philadelphia as a whole is not devoid of co-ops, South Philly is definitely lacking. When I imagine South Philly having the stronger community that a co-op brings, as well as the local and organically grown produce and other products that it will stock, I get happy. Why should people join a food co-op? It's an investment in the overall health and vibrancy of our community and supports the local economy; with that, it combines two of my favorite things!  Food and people. What is your favorite meal to cook and why? Its summer time so beets and greens! Beets and greens! Beet and rainbow chard lasagne (smash up some sweet potatoes into that ricotta!) Also, less of a meal and more of a side but delicious all the same: Roasted Beet (red, golden and candy-striped beets) and herbed goat cheese tart). Holy delicious!

On which committee do you serve?

I am a member of the Outreach committee and most recently became part of the Board of Directors.

What do you do for a living?

I work in training and leadership development for a corporation in Center City.  I specifically work in onboarding, making sure that new hires have the tools, resources, and training they need to be successful in their new roles with the company.

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

My neighbor and partner-in-crime, Marsha Shiflet, knocked on my door and told me about the start up of a co-op in April 2010. I've been involved ever since.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

I love food! Buying it, cooking it, and eating it. Where I buy my food and what I eat is very important to me. I can't wait until I have a store in my neighborhood that I can have access to everyday to purchase the ingredients that I need and I feel good about who I am supporting.

Why should people join a food co-op?

There are many reasons to join a co-op.  For me, it's about the food. I would encourage people to join SPFC because we will provide the community with a place to purchase organic and local foods and be a place where they can play an integral role in ensuring the quality of the food and products that their hard-earned money goes towards.

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

I don't have a favorite meal to cook (in fact, I rarely cook the same meal twice) but I love simple and fresh foods and I'm partial to Mediterranean cuisine.  My perfect meal is bread and olive oil, cheese, roasted vegetables, olives, and hummus.

On which committee do you serve?

Legal and Finance.

What do you do for a living?

Nonprofit management (aka intellectual do-goodery)

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

I moved to the neighborhood less than two years ago with a commitment to becoming involved in some way. I attended a PSCA meeting, at which the co-op organizers presented. Having written about co-ops historically and dreamed for years of being involved with the creation of one, I had to get involved.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

We're pretty lucky in South Philly with the variety of food that exists in the area--from the Italian Market to the Asian grocery stores. But a co-op to me is much more than a place to buy food. It's about forging community. Back in the 1970s, people thought co-ops would eliminate capitalism. They definitely overestimated their influence, but they had a vision of a less consumerist, more connective lifestyle that is extremely appealing to me and that more people should be aware of.

Why should people join a food co-op?

To get involved in their neighborhood through one of the most basic and powerful human activities--eating!

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

My cooking exploits occur in phases. While I was in college, I baked and decorated cakes like a madwoman. A couple years ago, I started making bread and was determined to cook my way through Rose Levy Beranbaum's Bread Bible--I've stalled, unfortunately. Lately, I've been doing quick (pesco)vegetarian meals, like asian salmon burgers with slaw or brussel sprout salad with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts (if you want the recipe it's at: http://eatingreading.wordpress.com/brussel-sprout-salad-recipe/ ). But, truly, with so much amazing food to eat in Philadelphia, it's hard to justify cooking..

On which committee do you serve? Legal and Finance. What do you do for a living? Nonprofit management (aka intellectual do-goodery) How did you get involved with the food co-op? I moved to the neighborhood less than two years ago with a commitment to becoming involved in some way. I attended a PSCA meeting, at which the co-op organizers presented. Having written about co-ops historically and dreamed for years of being involved with the creation of one, I had to get involved. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? We're pretty lucky in South Philly with the variety of food that exists in the area--from the Italian Market to the Asian grocery stores. But a co-op to me is much more than a place to buy food. It's about forging community. Back in the 1970s, people thought co-ops would eliminate capitalism. They definitely overestimated their influence, but they had a vision of a less consumerist, more connective lifestyle that is extremely appealing to me and that more people should be aware of. Why should people join a food co-op? To get involved in their neighborhood through one of the most basic and powerful human activities--eating! What is your favorite meal to cook and why? My cooking exploits occur in phases. While I was in college, I baked and decorated cakes like a madwoman. A couple years ago, I started making bread and was determined to cook my way through Rose Levy Beranbaum's Bread Bible--I've stalled, unfortunately. Lately, I've been doing quick (pesco)vegetarian meals, like asian salmon burgers with slaw or brussel sprout salad with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts (if you want the recipe it's at: http://eatingreading.wordpress.com/brussel-sprout-salad-recipe/ ). But, truly, with so much amazing food to eat in Philadelphia, it's hard to justify cooking..

On which committee do you serve?

Steering Committee.

What do you do for a living?

Associate Relationship Manager within PNC Bank's Commercial Banking Group in Philadelphia.

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

I met Glenn and Ned from Weavers Way through work and told them that they should open a store in South Philly so I could be a member. They informed me about the South Philly Food Co-Op and told me that the co-op is always looking for help. I met with Cassie and Alison and began getting involved.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

To have access to better quality food and to help bring the community together.

Why should people join a food co-op?

People should join a food co-op for the reasons I described above. In addition, people should care about what they eat because it effects their health and ultimately their quality of life.

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

I love to cook period but my signature dish is definitely spicy homefries with onion, peppers and bacon with over easy eggs on top. Yum.

On which committee do you serve? Steering Committee. What do you do for a living? Associate Relationship Manager within PNC Bank's Commercial Banking Group in Philadelphia. How did you get involved with the food co-op? I met Glenn and Ned from Weavers Way through work and told them that they should open a store in South Philly so I could be a member. They informed me about the South Philly Food Co-Op and told me that the co-op is always looking for help. I met with Cassie and Alison and began getting involved. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? To have access to better quality food and to help bring the community together. Why should people join a food co-op? People should join a food co-op for the reasons I described above. In addition, people should care about what they eat because it effects their health and ultimately their quality of life. What is your favorite meal to cook and why? I love to cook period but my signature dish is definitely spicy homefries with onion, peppers and bacon with over easy eggs on top. Yum.

On which committee do you serve? I am a member of the Outreach committee and also serve as webmaster and de-facto IT coordinator. What do you do for a living? I'm a software developer at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. How did you get involved with the food co-op? An old friend and Steering committee member, Julia Koprak, sent me a message suggesting I attend an Outreach meeting since she knew it was something I'd be interested in. After seeing the passion the members already had at that early stage of the game I was hooked. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? It was food that originally brought me to South Philly. I'd lived all over the city but after an amazingly enjoyable weekend stuffing myself at the Italian Market Festival a number of years ago I knew that South Philly was where I wanted to make my home. My original motivation in joining the co-op was to further improve our local food situation by bringing better access to high quality food to South Philly. While we our blessed with amazing restaurants, sandwich shops and delis, great ethnic shopping options (be it some of the quite good corner stores or the Asian supermarkets), sometimes it can be difficult or expensive to find simple, healthy, and fresh options in South Philly. As my involvement with the co-op has deepened I've also come to realize that the food co-op is an amazing way to connect with members of the community that I might otherwise never get to know. Why should people join a food co-op? Let's build our community while we increase our food security and improve the health of our environment and our neighbors. What is your favorite meal to cook and why? I have to admit, I rarely cook, because I am blessed with a wife who cooks as well or better than my skilled mother and grandmother. Though I was the only kid who said he wanted to be a chef on the first day of kindergarten I've graduated in adulthood to dishwasher-in-chief and lead taste tester. In my college years I did make a mean bowl of fancied up ramen.

On which committee do you serve?

I am a member of the Outreach committee and also serve as webmaster and de-facto IT coordinator.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a software developer at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

An old friend and Steering committee member, Julia Koprak, sent me a message suggesting I attend an Outreach meeting since she knew it was something I'd be interested in. After seeing the passion the members already had at that early stage of the game I was hooked.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

It was food that originally brought me to South Philly. I'd lived all over the city but after an amazingly enjoyable weekend stuffing myself at the Italian Market Festival a number of years ago I knew that South Philly was where I wanted to make my home. My original motivation in joining the co-op was to further improve our local food situation by bringing better access to high quality food to South Philly. While we our blessed with amazing restaurants, sandwich shops and delis, great ethnic shopping options (be it some of the quite good corner stores or the Asian supermarkets), sometimes it can be difficult or expensive to find simple, healthy, and fresh options in South Philly.

As my involvement with the co-op has deepened I've also come to realize that the food co-op is an amazing way to connect with members of the community that I might otherwise never get to know.


Why should people join a food co-op?

Let's build our community while we increase our food security and improve the health of our environment and our neighbors.

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

I have to admit, I rarely cook, because I am blessed with a wife who cooks as well or better than my skilled mother and grandmother. Though I was the only kid who said he wanted to be a chef on the first day of kindergarten I've graduated in adulthood to dishwasher-in-chief and lead taste tester. In my college years I did make a mean bowl of fancied up ramen.

On which committee do you serve?

I serve on the Outreach committee and am currently helping to recruit and organize people to contribute to our blog and other social media outlets. Through this we hope to stay regularly connected to potential members and shoppers, build a community of co-op supporters, give frequent updates on our progress and generally keep the co-op on everyone's radar until we have a physical presence to go along with the virtual one.

What do you do for a living?

Advertising/marketing for Democratic political candidates.

How did you get involved with the food co-op?

I married into it (or actually, the co-op married into me). Alison Fritz, chair of the steering committee, is my wife and inspiration. At first I came on board to help out because the project was so important to her. Since then I've seen how this local, food-related effort really ties into many of the issues that I'm very personally interested in (sustainability, awareness of the environment, responsible capitalism, energy conservation) and which I hope to move toward professionally as well.

Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?

Economics 101 (or Ec 10 as it was called in college). I'm not a foodie in particular, though I would love to learn how to cook. I am, however, keenly aware of waste and inefficiency and have been turned onto the amount of waste, inefficiency, inequity and just general badness that exists in our current industrial food system. I'd like there to be a place where I can go and KNOW that everything I pick up was carefully selected to be on that shelf because it was locally grown, sustainably raised or harvested and produced in such a manner that doesn't exploit the humans or animals who worked to make it - truly guilt-free meals.

Why should people join a food co-op?

Everyone will have their own reason and the people who hear the term "co-op" and think "I know what that is. Awesome. Sign me up" probably don't need me to tell them why they should join. However, for folks who are less familiar and might not otherwise be inclined to do so, I would appeal to their pride in their community and their neighborhood - South Philadelphia. There are plenty of folks who go way back in these neighborhoods and who have plenty of reason to be proud of the area. A locally-owned, community-owned food store (and one that we hope is wildly successful) will not only bring and keep more wealth into the community, it will also be yet another reason for people to think of this area as progressive, forward thinking and part of the solution.

What is your favorite meal to cook and why?

I love rolling out the dough and making a nice pizza with extra cheese, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts. It's my favorite food to eat and I can never quite get it as well as my favorite pizza place in the city (FrancoLuigi's at 13th and Tasker) but I love to try. Plus a badly made pizza can beat most well made dishes any day of the week so I can't really go wrong.