Open thread: Is there support for a food co-op in New Albany?

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

NA Event Watch: New Albany Food Coop Possibilities, a discussion at the Carnegie Center on Tuesday, November 3.

Assembled from submitted information. Also on Tuesday, November 3, is Develop New Albany's monthly networking event; the First Tuesday for November will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Robert E. Lee Sternwheeler ballroom a short block from the Carnegie, with Bank Street Brewhouse conveniently located on the way, before and after. That's a blatant hint.

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New Albany Food Coop Possibilities (On Facebook)

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Carnegie Center for Art and History

Develop New Albany, Inc. and the New Albany Urban Enterprise Association, Inc. are pleased to sponsor a presentation exploring possibilities for a food coop in downtown New Albany.

Andy Mahler, board president of Lost River Market and Deli, will speak Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 at the Carnegie Center for Art and History.

Food coops 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 coops 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.

Lost River Market and Deli was founded two years ago in Paoli, Indiana. Mr. Mahler will share Paoli’s experience in starting the enterprise and how it has helped served the needs of Orange Co. residents.

Complimentary coffee, hot apple cider and assorted baked goods will be provided by Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers.

Lost River Market & Deli in Paoli, Indiana.

We took a field trip Wednesday to West Baden Springs and French Lick, which are adjoining "jazz age" resort and spa towns in south central Indiana. There'll be more about these places in another posting, perhaps on Sunday.

In route to West Baden, Highway 150 passes through the town of Paoli, where I recalled my World Class Beverages rep Tisha telling me there was a good bottled beer selection at a food cooperative and market. Indeed there is, and a more unlikely spot in a place like Paoli is hard to imagine. Here are some photos of the Lost River Market & Deli. It's a block off the main square, reasonably priced for a healthy lunch, chock full of good and fresh foodstuffs to take away, and offers mix 'n' match six-packs for $9.99.

Excellent. Visit their website for more information, and especially for Louisville metro area readers, be sure to stop by whenever you're taking the back way to Bloomington.