Tuesday’s presentation illustrating the history and founding principles of the Lost River Community Co-op in Paoli was well attended, with roughly 50 people listening as Andy Mahler, board president (above, right), and Brad Alstrom (left), general manager of Lost River Market and Deli, spoke about their experiences.
Food co-ops are member-owned, self-managed associations dedicated to serving the needs of local farmers and consumers by providing healthy food choices at a fair value. Food co-ops aim to promote community well-being, economic prosperity, and self-reliance. They provide a local option for affordable, nutritious, locally-grown food and goods year round and help guaranty that local food dollars stay within the community.
I didn’t take notes, but I will note with approval that among Andy’s opening comments was a description of the food co-op as a corrective to “predatory capitalism.” Surprisingly, no one left the room. That’s refreshing.
Do we have what it takes to pursue a Lost River-style co-op in New Albany? Is this the right market for it? What’s the next step?
Thanks go to Andy Terrell, the sponsors, host and concessionaire:
Carnegie Center for Art and History
Develop New Albany
New Albany Urban Enterprise Association
Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers
