We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Tennenbaum and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Abby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I think it’s important to say up top that Market 166 is a cooperatively-owned business, with currently over 400 Owners and an elected Board of Directors who guides our development forward. Market 166 emerged from a collective realization that the existing corporate food system wasn’t addressing the needs of our community. We noticed a stark disparity in food access between different parts of town, with East Point and surrounding areas lacking in nutritious, affordable, and diverse food options. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when a community Facebook post sparked a conversation about taking matters into our own hands. The idea of a community-owned co-op was born from the suggestion that we shouldn’t wait for corporate solutions but instead create a grocery store built by and for the community. We began with community meetings, gathering interest and input, and incorporated in 2018 to start this journey together.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The cooperative nature of our business is something that sets us apart from most (but not all!) businesses in the area, and much of this country. A cooperative is a business model that allows a community to come together to collectively meet its needs. Everyone in our community is invited to become an Owner, meaning our shareholders are our community members — ensuring we are accountable to our community, not far-away investors. (Everyone can shop at the co-op, you do not need to be an Owner to be a customer.)
Our biggest challenge is also our greatest strength: we are led and informed by our community. Truly seeking out and incorporating the perspectives of others is hard, requires time and patience, and is absolutely worth it.
Market 166 addresses two main challenges: the lack of access to good food and the need for a stronger sense of community connection. We are building more than a grocery store. We are: (a) Expanding access to nutritious, quality, affordable, and diverse foods (b) Investing in our community by partnering with local and underrepresented farmers and producers (c) Cultivating a hub for community gatherings, connections, and innovations, and (d) Engaging and empowering our neighbors about nutrition, healthy living, and community wellbeing.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Founders of Market 166 — community members who saw a need and got together to address it.
Food Co-op Initiative (FCI) and Georgia Cooperative Development Center (GCDC) — non-profits that offer resources and support to start-up food co-ops like ours. We have learned a lot from them, and all the other cooperatives who participate in their programs.
All the local government officials and local businesses who have been supportive of us from the beginning and are continuously offering their collaboration and insights.
Website: https://market166.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/market_166/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/market166coop
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DLqCbBnM5gnsH2ogD302g
Other: https://linktr.ee/market_166