Q&A with Rae Ishee

By Mia Kim

Longtime member-owner Rae Ishee was raised in Vermont and spent some time living in Ganado, Arizona before the pull of the East Coast called her back to settle down in Brooklyn. As she is a landscape architect and an adjunct professor at CUNY CityTech, it makes perfect sense that her favorite ways to pass time are wandering the public realms of New York City and expanding her mind with a good book. Rae also enjoys painting songbirds in watercolor.

Q: How long have you been a member of the Co-op and what motivated you to join?

A: I've been a member for six years now, the only extracurricular I've maintained for that duration! I'm a big fan of local agriculture and co-ops in general. I knew I would join as soon as I found out about it.  

Q: Can you describe your work at the Co-op? 

A: I work as a cashier, fulfilling a childhood dream job. In a “know thyself” vein, I strive for consistency as life can be tumultuous outside of the Co-op.

Q: What do you enjoy about your Co-op work?                                                                                          

A: I've worked the same shift (outside of make-ups) during my entire tenure. I appreciate my fellow shift colleagues and those I get to say hello to. It's also a treat to chat with Willa (general manager) and Matt (assistant manager) when we do overlap. Oh, and catching up on what types of apples and oranges exist. 

Q: Has the Co-op changed the way you interact with food? 

A: I'd say the Co-op supports the way I like to interact with food—one part staples and one part discovery. Beans from the Hudson Valley? Yes, please!  

Q: What are your goals in the coming year at the Co-op?                                                                          

A: Keep on swimming...

Q: What’s your favorite hidden—or not so hidden—gem about the Co-op?

A: Have you had the steelhead trout? A special treat for sure, but so beautiful and tasty. I love getting one new product to try each time I shop;while generally products are consistent, there's always some new treasure tucked away on those shelves. But the real gems are the folks working above and beyond to keep this place going,so THANK YOU!

Q: Anything you’d like to see more of at the Co-op, whether it’s a product or practice?

A: I'm surprised each time I see an apple or pear from Argentina. I understand the need to supply some produce throughout the year, but that's a long way to travel for fruit that grows in our region. Otherwise, I just want to see more people!