Abundance Cooperative Market

Well Stocked Shelves 11-2009

Location

62 Marshall Street, Rochester NY, 14607

Hours (as of August 2009)

Monday - Friday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM

Saturday: 9:00AM to 7:00PM

Sunday: 10:00AM to 7:00PM

Phone

585 454 COOP (2667)

Website

http://www.abundance.coop/

Exterior View of the Market

Produce Dept (part of it) 11-2009

Abundance Cooperative Market was formed by the members and shoppers of the former "Genesse Coop Foodstore" which was located at 713 Monroe Ave. for about two decades and in many ways functioned as a co-op though legally not one. "Abundance Cooperative Market" was legally incorporated as "Genesee Coop Natural Foodstore, Inc" (a true cooperative) before a new name could be voted on, so "Abundance" is the dba name.

Shopping at Abundance Cooperative
Abundance features a typical health/organic market layout, with a produce section, dairy, eggs, and some organic and local meat. They have an extensive and impressive bulk foods department—along with bulk shampoos, cleaning products, and oils. Boasting the cheapest tofu in town (bulk) at $1.49/pound (as of 03/12/09), they also carry a wide array of LOCAL bulk nut butters & honeys.

Joining the Cooperative
Buying a share in the coop is currently $100 and gives you full membership privileges, including participation in the decision-making process—including the direction of the store's future, plus occasional discounts and specials. Most importantly though, you get to be a part of Rochester's only cooperatively owned food store!

Additionally, as a member, you have the option of working in the store each week or a couple times a month in exchange for a monthly discount at the register. Call the store for more details.

The small "cafe" section features free wireless access. There is coffee and pre-made deli items to-go, or to eat in the cafe. Live music on Saturdays. See also: Cooperatives.

Comments:

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2008-02-25 14:23:51   Currently, they treat their employees like shit and use a hierarchical model to operate. It's certainly not "cooperative." —TedForsyth

2008-06-02 01:49:35   Worth checking out, for sure. They have a decent selection of organic produce, including some hard to find items (golden beets). Cheaper than Lori's. —MariahBetz

2008-08-19 16:13:37   I always enjoy when I can make it to Abundance. The hours make it a bit difficult, since I work til 8 most days. If you have the time though, this is an excellent source for organic and vegetarian foods. —EugeneCain

2009-06-13 00:16:17   Welcoming store. Trendy atmosphere. Friendly and thoughtful staff. Unfortunately, the produce isn't fresh. The meats are frozen. The ice cream is poor quality. The prices, however, are EXORBITANT. Think $8-a-gallon organic milk and $7-a-pound butter. The inventory betrays a lack of understanding and love for food. Whole Foods, however flawed (and sadly absent from Rochester), dominates Abundance in almost every way. This is lamentable since Whole Foods isn't even superficially "about the food"—it's just a Wal-Mart for the wealthy. —Giffen

2009-08-30 07:46:42   Abundance is definitely no Genesee Co-op Foodstore. They have become Rochester's own "Animal Farm". Issues that have been voted on by shareholders have not been upheld. For example, carrying meat in the store was supposed to be done under the circumstances that is was shelved in specific areas of the store, be organic, and from local farmers. The meat is throughout most departments of the store now, NOT always organic, sometimes not even free-range (Pacific chicken broth), and sourced from national farming industries. When the manager (at the time this began) was questioned, their response was (literally) "We lost the notes to that meeting". Meaning-the most controversial meeting that the co-op had ever had-whether to carry meat or not. They have enforced strict dress codes on the employees. One member of the board was asked to leave the board because they considered it a conflict of interest that he taught yoga at another local natural food store. Teaching yoga? for free? The "co-op" also offers a wide array of "Made in China" products. When I asked about this, I was directed to submit comments/questions to the suggestion box. I did so THREE times over a two month period, with no response. I also made phone calls that ended with "I'll have someone get back to you". I decided to go back to asking in person. When I did, they said it was easier to get it from one supplier, and that they couldn't find these items that were made in the U.S.A.. Measuring cups? Napkins? I did a simple search on Google and came up with tons of results. They also carry many foods that are simply unhealthy to eat. Ridiculous sodium contents, very hight fat, and overly processed foods that were obviously ordered because of convenience, not after researching them properly, and were continued to be carried. When I worked there, we had a mission statement posted on the wall that listed something to the effect of: "providing healthy food to the ROchester community". I asked the manager a few years ago where the mission statement was, or if I could at least see a copy. I also was sure to mention I was a shareholder. They responded with "I don't know where that went..we don't post it anymore". They have, in general, totally morphed from what I understood the idea of a co-op to be, and quite eerily become Rochester little example of what goes wrong when the common shareholders don't stand up for what is right, even if to the point of protest. I am also at fault. I've asked questions, become frustrated at left it at that. I, like MANY others I've talked with and share my concerns (I can list about 14 off the top of my head), frankly don't have time to to challenge the bureaucracy. In fact, it's really no coincidence that so many people have quit. I realize that many people that read this may know who I am, and I even contemplated changing my name on here to avoid dirty looks. But, you know, I am frustrated, sad and confused as to why this happened to a store I once loved so much, and really worked very hard in for 60 plus hours a week. So, if I don't have the guts to go in there screaming, at least I'm shared some of this info with the rest of the world. To leave on some positive points: They do have a great nut butter selection, the bulk section is great, and I love that they carry Savory Thyme food. Bulk Tofu is also available which is a great value. —Jahniqua