Meet a Committee Member: Josh Richards
On which committee do you serve? Legal & Finance What do you do for a living? I am a lawyer. How did you get involved with the food co-op? I came to an open meeting at SPOAC and loved the idea of helping to open a food co-op. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? Access to high quality food is important to me and the community of a co-op is a great bonus. Why should people join a food co-op? Community and high-quality food plus knowing that the money they spend goes back into their own neighborhood. What is your favorite meal to cook and why? Deep dish veggie lasagna. It's a fun process and the result can cheer up anyone.
Meet a Committee Member: Maria Camoratto
On which committee do you serve?
Vice Chair of Steering Committee
What do you do for a living?
Architect/Community Development
How did you get involved with the food co-op?
I moved to Philadelphia from Brooklyn and asked my neighbors and friends in this area if there was a food co-op nearby. I was interested in meeting some like-minded people as well as shopping at a local food store where I would have a say in the planning and organization. Basically, I sought out the South Philly Food Co-op!
Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?
My favorite place to shop for food is the Farmer's Market by the fountain at S 11th and Passyunk. I like that the food is locally grown. The problem is that it's only once a week and only a portion of the year. I'm looking forward to a food co-op in South Philly so I can shop somewhere that has healthy local food options as well as an interest in health and community.
Why should people join a food co-op?
There are a lot of reasons to join a food co-op. One would be to have a voice in the business where you buy your food. One would be to support your local community to help provide jobs and keep businesses local. Another reason would be to take part in a unique community where people work and learn and shop. Lots of reasons, but those are the few that come to mind immediately.
What is your favorite meal to cook and why?
I just made polenta with roasted red and yellow peppers and onions over top. It was delicious!
Meet a Committee Member: Maria Camoratto
On which committee do you serve? Vice Chair of Steering Committee What do you do for a living? Architect/Community Development How did you get involved with the food co-op? I moved to Philadelphia from Brooklyn and asked my neighbors and friends in this area if there was a food co-op nearby. I was interested in meeting some like-minded people as well as shopping at a local food store where I would have a say in the planning and organization. Basically, I sought out the South Philly Food Co-op! Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? My favorite place to shop for food is the Farmer's Market by the fountain at S 11th and Passyunk. I like that the food is locally grown. The problem is that it's only once a week and only a portion of the year. I'm looking forward to a food co-op in South Philly so I can shop somewhere that has healthy local food options as well as an interest in health and community. Why should people join a food co-op? There are a lot of reasons to join a food co-op. One would be to have a voice in the business where you buy your food. One would be to support your local community to help provide jobs and keep businesses local. Another reason would be to take part in a unique community where people work and learn and shop. Lots of reasons, but those are the few that come to mind immediately. What is your favorite meal to cook and why? I just made polenta with roasted red and yellow peppers and onions over top. It was delicious!
Meet a Committee Member: Cassie Plummer
On which committee do you serve?
Steering and Legal/Finance - I am the Inter-Committee Liason, fondly known as ICL.
What do you do for a living?
Pharmacist/Medical Writer
How did you get involved with the food co-op?
I saw a flier and attended one of the first organizing meetings. At that time, I was looking for a way to become more connected to my community. I bake a lot and would like a source of more local, and less expensive dry goods. The desire and need for good healthy food is something we have in common and it's exciting to think about a diverse community coming together, sharing and learning from each other under this common theme.
Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly?
I think the community aspect of a food co-op is the one of the biggest draws. I come from a small town where everyone knows each other. I play ultimate frisbee, a very community driven sport. Food should be about community too, including shopping for food!
Why should people join a food co-op?
Being a member of a co-op gives you a voice in how the business is run, what foods/products are carried, and what services are offered. Every member will have an opportunity to run for the board of directors, and every member will have vote on key issues. As a community run business, your voice will be heard much more clearly.
And did I mention community? You'll have the opportunity to meet and know your neighbors better!
What is your favorite meal to cook and why?
Forget meals....let's move to dessert. I love dessert. My favorite thing to bake is chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate frosting... 4 layers = a meal, one layer for each course!
Meet a Committee Member: Cassie Plummer
On which committee do you serve? Steering and Legal/Finance - I am the Inter-Committee Liason, fondly known as ICL. What do you do for a living? Pharmacist/Medical Writer How did you get involved with the food co-op? I saw a flier and attended one of the first organizing meetings. At that time, I was looking for a way to become more connected to my community. I bake a lot and would like a source of more local, and less expensive dry goods. The desire and need for good healthy food is something we have in common and it's exciting to think about a diverse community coming together, sharing and learning from each other under this common theme. Why do you want a food co-op in South Philly? I think the community aspect of a food co-op is the one of the biggest draws. I come from a small town where everyone knows each other. I play ultimate frisbee, a very community driven sport. Food should be about community too, including shopping for food! Why should people join a food co-op? Being a member of a co-op gives you a voice in how the business is run, what foods/products are carried, and what services are offered. Every member will have an opportunity to run for the board of directors, and every member will have vote on key issues. As a community run business, your voice will be heard much more clearly. And did I mention community? You'll have the opportunity to meet and know your neighbors better! What is your favorite meal to cook and why? Forget meals....let's move to dessert. I love dessert. My favorite thing to bake is chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate frosting... 4 layers = a meal, one layer for each course!