Getting to Know Council: Pamela Coleman
By David Durrett – a current intern at GreenStar Food Co+op, David Durrett is a lifelong resident of Ithaca as well as a graduate of Ithaca College. He is a freelance reporter whose work has also appeared in Tompkins Weekly and The Ithaca Voice, among other publications.
Pamela Coleman brings her extensive knowledge of food systems, passion for local organic food, and enthusiasm for the Co-op to her role as a GreenStar Council member. Pamela has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cornell, along with work experience in agricultural research, organic certification, sustainable agriculture, farming, and food policy. Prior to serving on GreenStar’s Council, Pamela served on two nonprofit boards: one was an organic certifier; the other focused on protecting farmland in Washington State.
When Pamela moved back to Ithaca in 2014 she immediately joined GreenStar Food Co-op. “I was just very familiar with and favorable to the co-op model,” Pamela said. “When I visited Greenstar, I was excited to discover the broad range of local, organic food for sale at the coop. I moved to Ithaca from a small town with no co-op, and limited availability of local food.”
Pamela ran for GreenStar’s Council in 2021, because she realized that she should not take GreenStar for granted. She wanted to bring her energy and enthusiasm to ensure GreenStar’s continuing success. Her varied experience with farmers and food handlers has given her an understanding of food systems, and an appreciation for the role of GreenStar and other cooperatives in helping farmers bring local food to consumers.
“The co-op is a crucial link in supporting farmers and maintaining a local foodshed,” Pamela said. “Consolidation in the grocery industry has resulted in farmers getting paid less while corporations increase their profits.”
Pamela believes part of GreenStar’s purpose is to educate its customers about the local food system. She said people’s preferences vary and people learn differently, so GreenStar uses multiple media to convey its messages.
“I think most people don’t understand their food system,” Pamela said. “They do to some degree, but it has gotten so complex with international trade and large corporate farms. I believe that if people learn more about where their food comes from, they will be inspired to support GreenStar more.”
One way members can directly support GreenStar is by joining Council or a Council Committee. Pamela said that while serving on Council is a three-year commitment, committees only require a one-year commitment and introduce members to how GreenStar is governed. She also recommended that interested members attend a Council meeting or the Conversations with Council held just before council meetings, or contact Council to schedule a one-one information session, which can be held virtually or in-person.
“The best advice is to jump right in,” Pamela said. “Don’t feel like you’re not ready or you’re not qualified, because really, Council encourages members to participate and provide their insight.”
According to Pamela, prospective council members must be willing to learn about the Co-op, participate in Council meetings, and review financial statements. “I think even people with a financial background might find it surprising that grocers in general have very thin margins, which creates challenges especially in the case of a co-op that wants to pay fair wages and set fair prices for the food that we’re selling.”
Pamela stressed the importance of Council members listening to others and accepting final decisions, even if one disagrees with them. “If most of the people on Council agree with something, then I feel like we’ve made the best decision,” Pamela said.
Pamela believes that by getting involved with GreenStar’s governance people can learn how their Co-op works and how they can help ensure its success. “Get involved, because it really is such a valuable experience to understand what has to happen in the background to make your Co-op successful,” Pamela said.