Cornwall Community Co-op: A Brief History

In 2008, inspired by the wealth of farm products available every summer in the mid-Hudson region, two local residents set out to bring a variety of fresh and healthy food options to their neighbors in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. They had a location for a market—a picturesque turn-of-the-century building—but wanted to find a way to bring the community together in planning and running it.

“We wanted to establish a food cooperative, but realized from the beginning that we needed the energy and expertise of many to bring it to life. We also needed the buy-in of local consumers to make the Co-op viable,” said Lynn Peebles, who, along with her partner, Doug Land, began to promote their vision to anyone who would listen.

A diverse group of community residents responded and formed a volunteer steering committee to explore the feasibility of a co-op. They conducted a comprehensive community survey, developed a website, and held a series of public events to raise awareness about the project. Instrumental in moving the project forward was coordinator Stella Quinn, who brought invaluable experience in regional agriculture, as well as a network of farmers who were potential vendors for the market.

After months of hard work, the committee decided the time was right to start recruiting members for what would become the Cornwall Community Cooperative. Initial enrollments exceeded expectations, and by the time the Co-op held its first general membership meeting in January 2009, nearly 150 households were enrolled as member-owners.

“In one action-packed year, the Co-op has grown organically, if you’ll pardon the expression, from the dreams of two people to the reality of a participatory, member-owned marketplace. It’s been really exciting to watch it evolve,” Peebles said.