As a first-time visitor to a Queens Harvest Co-Op meeting, I was unsure of what to expect. What exactly is a co-op? How is it run and by whom?

The meeting was held at the Queens Kickshaw in Astoria, a lively and warm setting that I would soon find to be the perfect location for the gathering. The long wooden table reserved for the event was filled with people chatting happily over grilled sandwiches, salads, and bowls of soup and the group had spilled over onto the surrounding tables.

After a brief introduction from one of the founders of the co-op, we got to know our neighbors with a round of bingo. The goal? To find others around us who fit certain characteristics and write their names on our boards. We sought those who love carrots, own a cat, know a great soup recipe, and more. Whoever found someone who fit every example was the winner.

Once our quest for carrot-lovers was complete, we heard from the various committees: tech, finance, and community outreach. We learned the basics, like what exactly a co-op is (a grocery store that is owned and operated by its shoppers) and were called upon for store location suggestions (they’re looking at Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside) as well as input on the logistics of running the co-op once it opens.

People asked questions, such as whether the store would sell locally grown and sustainable products (yes, wherever possible) and were clearly interested in seeing this endeavor to fruition. Much remains undecided: Where will the store be located? What will the discount be for shareholders? How will the volunteers be organized?

There’s clearly much excitement over the project and enough hands to get it up and running. The friendly excitement given off by the group and its leaders and their willingness to listen to the community only adds to the enthusiasm to see it through.

Jessie Wohlgemuth is an editor living in Sunnyside. Her favorite foods are broccoli and ice cream—but not together.

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