WHAT: One of the newest clubs on campus, the Haverford Food Co-op sells fresh produce—blueberries, carrots, onions, corn, and more—for prices that accommodate student budgets. A single Fuji apple will run you 25 cents; a pound of parsnips costs two dollars. Grocery-store items like tofu, canned tomatoes, milk, eggs, and yogurt are also available for purchase. Established by Griffin Kaulbach ’21 last January, the Co-op’s work is primarily directed at students who aren’t on the meal plan. “Community comes together around food, and I was hoping that the Co-op wouldn’t just save students money, time, and stress, but also serve as a communal gathering and food-sharing space,” says Kaulbach. The food itself is ordered from the Common Market, a nonprofit company used by both Ehaus and the DC that sources most of its products from sustainable family farms. The selection of the Common Market as the Co-op’s supplier was a conscious choice on Kaulbach’s part. “I hoped to create an alternative food economy in which we support local farmers and food suppliers while also providing a source of food that is affordable and nutritious for students,” she says.
WHO: Kaulbach, Angelina Petrichenko ’21, and Alicia Lopez-Torres ’20 are the current heads, and Kaulbach estimates that 10 to 30 students order food each week. Says Petrichenko, “Introducing the Co-op as an alternative option on campus hopefully can reduce the stress associated with food accessibility.”
WHEN: Kaulbach, Petrichenko, Lopez-Torres, and a rotating cast of club members distribute food every Sunday from 4-6 p.m. in Apartment 15, also known as Quaker House; afterwards, surplus is dropped off at the MCC. Meetings occur on an as-needed basis.
DID YOU KNOW? Kaulbach has previously interned at the Haverfarm and volunteered for the East Park Revitalization Alliance, a nonprofit that aims to empower residents through environmental improvement and health promotion. She was inspired to create the Co-op after taking a CPGC health studies class, “Bodies of Injustice,” last fall.
GET INVOLVED: Since meetings don’t take place regularly, the best way to demonstrate your commitment to food justice is to reach out to the co-heads to offer to help distribute food.
Photo of Griffin Kaulbach ’21 by Patrick Montero.