The People's Republic of BK Creatas Images/Thinkstock
DCL
"I lived in Maine for about 12 years before coming to NYC so the outdoors, open space, growing one's own food, self-sustainability etc. has always been something I have been very connected to."
Thus spoke Karen Oh, Brooklynite and driving force behind the burgeoning Lefferts Farm Community Food Co-op, a full-service member-run grocery store that will eventually serve residents of Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Crown Heights. "So far," says Oh, "we have about 150 people who've joined our meet-up group and about 40-50 people who have actually attended at least one meeting. We are launching an outreach campaign now, and I'm trying to build some leadership to take over the various aspects of actually getting a food co-op developed." The work to open a food co-op is vast and involves everything from community organizing, logistics, public relations, design, financing, business plan writing, information technology and real estate development."
Oh's efforts on the once-controversial turf of Crown Heights can serve as a template for others seeking to create both change and community. With that in mind, I had more than a few questions for her.
WATCH VIDEO: Save Money, Shop at a Organic Co-Op
