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Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

The Greene Hill Food Co-op has lost its lease and we've found a new home! Now we need your help!

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Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

Help Save the Greene Hill Food Co-op!

The Greene Hill Food Co-op has lost its lease and we've found a new home! Now we need your help!

The Greene Hill Food Co-op has lost its lease and we've found a new home! Now we need your help!

The Greene Hill Food Co-op has lost its lease and we've found a new home! Now we need your help!

The Greene Hill Food Co-op has lost its lease and we've found a new home! Now we need your help!

Sarah Chinn
Sarah Chinn
Sarah Chinn
Sarah Chinn
1 Campaign |
Brooklyn, United States
$39,146 USD by 504 backers
$38,991 USD by 499 backers on May 2, 2018
Overview
After more than six years at our current location, the Greene Hill Food Co-op's building has been sold and we've lost our lease. We just signed a lease for a new space at 1083 Fulton Street but our cash flow is low, and we owe our members and the Park Slope Food Co-op for their generous loans. We need your help with moving expenses, to underwrite our higher rent, and to keep us financially stable. We're one of only four worker-member food co-ops still open in the U.S., and we need your help!

WE HAVE A NEW SPACE!!!

We've been incredibly fortunate over the past month: we exceeded our funding goal and, as of April 16, we just signed a lease for a storefront at 1083 Fulton Street.

 

Now the really hard work starts! Our initial goal of $30K was based on pre-determined bids and felt like a safe goal to insure we could win the campaign.  Now that our contractors, electricians, plumbers etc have had an opportunity to really look at the space, their bids are much higher.  Plus we have to get the bulk of the work done by May 1st, when we move into the new space. Here's what our relocation/renovation costs look like: 

See that big number at the top? It's wa-a-a-a-y more than we had imagined -- almost $23,000 more than our original campaign goal. So we STILL need your help! Tell your friends! And if you can spare it, please consider giving a bit more.

For this text translated in Spanish, please click here

Our Story

Ten years ago, a small group of neighbors in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn got together to start what would become one of only two wholly member-owned, operated, and supported food co-ops in the country.  We wanted to create something that was more than a grocery store. We wanted to be a community hub, a meeting place, a place that would feed not just our bodies but also our souls.

It took years of planning, scouting for equipment, building relationships with suppliers, and spreading the word throughout Brooklyn to open the Greene Hill Food Co-op. We began as a buying club, and then became a fully-functioning store. We faced challenges: scrambling to fill work shifts, facing the periodic breakdown of our well-used equipment, balancing our goal of ethical sourcing with our commitment to affordability, and dealing with cash-flow shortages. Over the years, with a growing membership now at over 300 people, we have been able to expand our hours and hire store coordinators.

We support local farmers, buying our produce, eggs, and grains from Lancaster County, our dairy from the Finger Lakes, and honey and maple syrup from upstate New York. We collaborate with producers and vendors in the city–from Granola Lab in Sunset Park to Bronx Hot Sauce. At the same time, we’re committed to providing members with household necessities made by larger distribution companies, and so we work with them to get those items at affordable prices.

We have built a co-op that we're proud of.

 

Why We Need Your Help

Crucial to opening the Greene Hill Food Co-op was our space. We found a great storefront on Putnam Street in Clinton Hill at well below market rate, and made it our home. The owners are long-time residents of the neighborhood and believed in our vision. But, last fall they told us that they were going to sell the building. This January, we found out that the building had been sold and that we have to be out by May 1.

The news could not have come at a worse time. Although our sales are steady, they are down from last year and our expenses have risen. Over the years we’ve built up debt: we were granted a generous loan from the Park Slope Food Co-op to buy equipment, and individual members have loaned the Co-op their own dollars.

In February of 2018, after some tough conversations, our Board of Directors voted to recommend that the Co-op close its doors. But, they also encouraged members to find other solutions. In a historic meeting, member-owners rallied together and voted to fight to keep our Co-op open by raising enough money to move to a new space. We would make Greene Hill 2.0 better than ever!

 

What Your Contributions Will Support

We are fiercely committed to our Co-op. Our members went bravely into the New York real estate market and have found a new space nearby, on the border of Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy. It would need a lot of love and even more work before we could move all of our inventory and equipment. To sign a lease we need to pay three month’s rent upfront; this is money that we do not have. That is why we are running this campaign. *Donations will allow us to secure the lease, protect the loans that our members have made, and any extra will help keep the Co-op financially stable, as well as support future growth!

In other words, please help us! We need you! 

*Please note that all donations made here through this Indiegogo campaign are NOT tax-deductible.

Abbi Jacobson plays a Co-op member on Broad City's episode "Co-op" filmed at Greene Hill. Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights residents, did you know you can get affordable, fresh produce in the neighborhood? Help us stay open, and this could be you!

 

WANT TO HELP MORE?

Here are some other things you can do:

  • PROMOTE our Indiegogo directly to friends through social media, emails, or conversation. Indiegogo has some very easy ways to share our campaign directly to FB, Twitter, or direct emails to friends with pre-composed templates! Just click on those icons next to the “BACK IT” pink button on the campaign page! 
  • COMMUNICATE our vision:  supporters are the Co-op’s greatest resource! Go out into the world and let people know why you choose to shop at the Co-op!
  • COMMIT to raising a specific amount of money yourself and from family and friends. You and 4 friends giving $20 means $100 for the Co-op.
  • OFFER A PERK: have a service or item you’d like to donate to our campaign? We’d love it! Click on "Ask A Question" at the top of the page and let us know what you can offer.
  • BECOME A MEMBER! As part of the campaign, you can become a member for $25 off (we're waiving the admin fee).  Simply choose the "Tofu" perk on our campaign page.  Please note that by purchasing your membership through this campaign, your investment is a considered a donation and when you leave, your "investment" will remain with the Co-op. All Co-op Members-owners must work 2.5 hours every 4 weeks either in the store or on a committee. More info about our memberships can be found here. 

 

Keep scrolling down for fabulous perks!

 

 

 

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Choose your Perk

Strawberry

Strawberry

$10 USD
Show your support and receive love and gratitude from us all!
Included Items
  • Love and Gratitude!
30 claimed
Candy on the Go

Candy on the Go

$15 USD
Mini Lymph Candy deodorant -- made of only natural ingredients to neutralize odor and absorb wetness. Five soothing scents in the perfect size to go with you wherever you are!
Included Items
  • Deodorant travel size
12 claimed
Clementine

Clementine

$20 USD
One “I Saved the Greene Hill Food Co-op" button, and we'll proudly list you on our website and Facebook page. Locals only: Pick up Button at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Love and Gratitude!
29 claimed
Candy

Candy

$20 USD
Lymph Candy is a natural deodorant made and marketed by Co-op members. Made of only natural ingredients, Lymph Candy neutralizes odor and absorbs wetness. Available in lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and geranium scents.
Included Items
  • Lymph Candy 2.65oz deodorant
14 out of 20 of claimed
Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato

$20 USD
The Good Fork in Red Hook has graciously offered a free dessert! We can put you in touch with the restaurant to claim the perk.
Included Items
  • Free Dessert at The Good Fork
0 out of 1 of claimed
Mango

Mango

$25 USD
One “I Saved the Greene Hill Food Co-op” button, and a bar of ethically-sourced, cooperatively-produced chocolate from Equal Exchange. Locals only: Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Chocolate bar
  • Love and Gratitude!
35 claimed
Crimson Crisp

Crimson Crisp

$35 USD
One “I Saved the Greene Hill Food Co-op” button, and a Greene Hill Food Co-op tote bag. Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op. If you want these sent to you pls add $10 at check out.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Love and Gratitude!
59 claimed
Heirloom Tomato

Heirloom Tomato

$40 USD
From our friends at the Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, who supply us with produce and other goodies year-round, a t-shirt and pen with their logo. Take this perk with pride, knowing you're supporting local farmers! We have limited size and color options, but will try to match your choice. If we're out of the size/color you want, we'll let you know.
Included Items
  • LFFC T-Shirt
  • LFFC Pen
4 out of 10 of claimed
Ships to United States of America
Pineapple

Pineapple

$50 USD
Experience the beautiful culture and art of Hawai’i through an introductory lesson in hula dance on May 5th (exact time TBD). Co-op member Amy Hundley will lead a class of 20 lucky people, accompanied by live ukulele. Bring a little of the aloha spirit to Brooklyn!
Included Items
  • Love and Gratitude!
  • Group hula lesson
5 out of 20 of claimed
Split Peas

Split Peas

$75 USD
Three, 1lb bags of any of our bulk offerings, and a Greene Hill Food Co-op tote bag + button. Locals only: Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Bulk items
  • Love and Gratitude!
8 out of 10 of claimed
Arborio rice

Arborio rice

$75 USD
Co-op member (and actual Italian!) Bianca Orlando will teach you and three other lucky backers how to make authentic risotto. All ingredients included!
Included Items
  • Risotto lesson
2 out of 4 of claimed
Grab Bag!

Grab Bag!

$100 USD
A Greene Hill Food Co-op tote bag filled with fabulous surprise items!
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
49 claimed
Tofu

Tofu

$150 USD $175 USD (14% off)
One membership to the Greene Hill Food Co-op! Note: All Co-op Members-owners must work 2.5 hours every 4 weeks either in the store or on a committee. More info here: www.greenehillfood.coop/join/ *By purchasing your membership through this campaign, your investment is a donation and when you leave, your "investment" will remain with the Co-op.
Included Items
  • Membership
  • Love and Gratitude!
15 claimed
Kombucha

Kombucha

$200 USD
Kombucha Club membership: 64oz of kombucha each time you shop, for six months.
Included Items
  • Kombucha
  • Love and Gratitude!
11 claimed
Black Beans

Black Beans

$250 USD
Chili fixings for a group: 1 lb each of three kinds of bulk beans, can of San Marzano tomatoes, can of La Morena chipotles, 1 onion, 1 head of garlic, 1 bottle Bronx Hot Sauce, all in a Greene Hill Food Co-op tote bag. PLUS a Greene Hill Food Co-op Membership. Locals only: Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Membership
  • Chili kit
  • Love and Gratitude!
2 out of 5 of claimed
Tempeh

Tempeh

$300 USD $350 USD (14% off)
2 memberships to the Greene Hill Food Co-op! Note: All Co-op Members-owners must work 2.5 hours every 4 weeks either in the store or on a committee. More info here: www.greenehillfood.coop/join/ *By purchasing your membership through this campaign, your investment is a donation and when you leave, your "investment" will remain with the Co-op.
Included Items
  • Membership (2)
  • Love and Gratitude!
2 claimed
Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning Supplies

$400 USD
Two Co-op memberships, a Seventh Generation sampler pack (detergent, dishwashing gel, multipurpose cleaner, paper towel) and a button in a Greene Hill tote bag. Locals only: Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Membership (2)
  • Seventh Generation items
  • Love and Gratitude!
2 out of 3 of claimed
Dragonfruit

Dragonfruit

$1,000 USD
Buyer for a day! You get to choose three new items for the Co-op to stock, plus getting a tote bag, button, 2 Co-op Memberships and the Co-op's eternal gratitude. Locals only: Pick up items at Greene Hill Food Co-op.
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Membership (2)
  • Buyer for a day
  • Love and Gratitude!
4 claimed
Co-op Star(Fruit)

Co-op Star(Fruit)

$2,000 USD
A pair of giant scissors to cut the ribbon on the new store, plus a year’s supply of Equal Exchange goodies AND lots of other goodies: button, tote bag, buyer for the day and 2 memberships for the Greene Hill Food Co-op!
Included Items
  • Button
  • Tote bag
  • Membership (2)
  • Buyer for a day
  • Ribbon cutting
  • All the chocolate!
  • Love and Gratitude!
0 claimed
Chocolate chips
sold out

Chocolate chips

$20 USD
1 out of 1 of claimed
Ships to United States of America
Banana
sold out

Banana

$25 USD
5 out of 5 of claimed
Yukon Gold
sold out

Yukon Gold

$40 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Vanilla Bean
sold out

Vanilla Bean

$40 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Mozzarella
sold out

Mozzarella

$50 USD
5 out of 5 of claimed
Jalapeño
sold out

Jalapeño

$60 USD
5 out of 5 of claimed
Sweet Cream
sold out

Sweet Cream

$60 USD
3 out of 3 of claimed
Olive Oil
sold out

Olive Oil

$60 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
sold out

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

$60 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Chocolate Milk
sold out

Chocolate Milk

$70 USD
5 out of 5 of claimed
Animal Crackers
sold out

Animal Crackers

$70 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Mixed Greens
sold out

Mixed Greens

$75 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Quinoa
sold out

Quinoa

$75 USD
1 out of 1 of claimed
Romanesco
sold out

Romanesco

$80 USD
3 out of 3 of claimed
Bran flakes
sold out

Bran flakes

$80 USD
1 out of 1 of claimed
Orange
sold out

Orange

$80 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Coconut water
sold out

Coconut water

$100 USD
3 out of 3 of claimed
Rainbow Chard
sold out

Rainbow Chard

$150 USD
2 out of 2 of claimed
Popcorn
sold out

Popcorn

$200 USD
1 out of 1 of claimed
Up Caret