Employee Interview

Jack Greenberg's photo on Facebook

I love working at the Co-Op because it goes well beyond the surface level in many aspects. My co-workers and everyone that comes in from the community are all genuinely friendly. Even though it can be cliché, we really do have that ‘cooperative’ vibe. People are often times not just there to buy groceries, but have conversations, learn about opportunities in the community, and meet people.

The co-op facilitates these relationships by hosting different events and promoting various things around Isla Vista, Goleta, and Santa Barbara on the community board.

All the employees have great respect for each other. The MO for the co-op is that they used to have a few full-time adult employees, and the rest were college students who came and went. That became frustrating for them because it was hard to get consistent work schedules. Now they have more full-time employees to establish some consistency. Jack mentioned that he loves working in a collaborative space where even the older employees are always willing to learn and listen to students.

The Co-Op is a really great place because it is not only within our own community, but it really brings in the local community outside of Isla Vista to Goleta and SB. A lot of our produce comes from Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpenteria farmers. I think it is really important that grocery stores support and promote local farmers.

The Co-Op also gets involved with many things that reach beyond just the store. Jack said he sees great importance that they make an effort to show up to outside events. During the Thomas Fire which ruined some of the farmer’s crops, the Co-Op donated money to buy seeds and help them re-start.

Jack is also involved in helping the food security programs around the community and seeing how the Co-Op can help.

Jack Greenberg's photo on Facebook

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