Author: Janis Rubenzahl
Graphic Layout: Abhishek Chari
I have been a member of the Karma Co-op since I was pregnant with my first child who is now 30 years old. I had started on the search for healthy food/conscious eating inspired by this new life growing inside of me. I don’t remember how I discovered Karma but since the day of my orientation I have constantly discovered like-minded individuals who appreciate the positive benefits of belonging to a cooperative.
In the years since I joined Karma, I have moved further away and often find myself shopping closer to my home. Foods that were difficult to find 30 years ago are easily accessible in other locations. However, I miss Karma when I haven’t been there at least once a month. At age 63, I still try to do a clean up shift every month and do a shop before my shift. I love talking to other members about what’s in their basket, catching up on news and saying hi to the staff. Sure… I need to schedule more time for my shop, but it’s a welcome change from the impersonal experience of the other stores I frequent.
Over the 30 years of my membership Karma has experienced difficult times. I clearly remember one of our previous serious economic realities. There were signs up around the cash area, encouraging us to shop more at Karma and think of Karma first before heading out for our groceries. So, when I came out to celebrate Karma’s 50th anniversary recently and heard how we are once again struggling economically, I made the decision to be more thoughtful when planning my shopping.
There are so many issues, people, organizations and areas of my life that are in need of help, support and assistance. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to do, how to do it and who to prioritize. In trying to get past my paralysis when it comes to choosing, I think about what is immediately “do-able.” Writing this article for the Chronicle, sharing my decision to choose Karma first over other stores and asking you to consider doing the same is my way of taking the first step towards helping this place that I’ve come to love.