Meet Our Newest Board Member

We recently chatted with the Co-op's newest board member, Fabi Liesner! He is a big fan of farmers' markets and a firm believer in voting with your dollar to support local businesses. With a strong background in community-focused initiatives and strategic communication, we're thrilled to have Fabi on the board.

Read on to learn more about why he got involved with the Co-op, and where he sees the biggest areas of opportunity for food in Utah.

1. What inspired you to become a member of the Wasatch Food Co-op? 

Within the first week of moving to Utah, I drove past a yard sign that said "Salt Lake Needs a Co-op!" Having previously lived close to and shopped at co-ops in Minneapolis and Chicago, it caught my eye right away. I saw many of these signs over the course of the next couple of years and at some point went home and just looked up online why it hadn't opened yet. Turns out that people had already spent more than a decade-worth of blood, sweat, and tears on making this a reality. After reading that construction for the building was already underway and knowing that the one-time membership fee will basically pay for itself over time, signing up that very day was a no-brainer to me.

2. What’s your favorite memory to date from being involved in the Co-op? 

After signing up and receiving the welcome letter, my wife and I still had some questions about investing in the Co-op. Rather than emailing, we decided we should just go to one of the member info events and ask all our questions in person. So we went, got there a little early, and talked to a few people before the official event kicked off. I could tell right away I was among like-minded people right away who hold similar values and also want to build and invest in their community. 

During the official part, I spoke with a couple of board members who were very passionate and knowledgeable about all the things that were even remotely related to co-ops. I ended up staying for a couple of hours, chatting with other member-owners and decided right then and there that I want to get more involved. I am trying to go to as many member events as I can – I have a good time and meet nice people every time!

3. What do you think are the greatest areas of opportunity for the food culture and systems in Utah? 

Building a more independent and resilient local food system is a huge area of opportunity. Right now, around 80% of Utah's produce is imported from Mexico and relying heavily on food imports–even if it's from other states like California–makes us vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and sudden price swings. We're seeing this right now as tariffs are announced on food imports from pretty much everywhere. Strengthening local production reduces this vulnerability while also supporting local farmers and economies. Additionally, there's a chance to raise awareness about the advantages of buying local—whether it's fresher, more nutritious produce (because it didn't ripen in the back of a truck), a lower environmental impact (good for the air quality in the valley) or keeping money within our communities. By educating consumers and making local food more accessible, we can create a more sustainable, self-reliant food system in Utah that benefits everyone from producers to consumers.

4. Which of the seven Co-op principles is most important to you and why? 

My number one is definitely "concern for community", as a co-op principle, but also in a wider sense. In this day and age, it's easy to feel resigned and powerless because of national or state politics, but the one thing you actually CAN influence is your local community. It is not realistic for everyone to run for office, even locally, but we can all do small things to feel a little better about the state of the world (and ourselves?). It's easy to bring a plastic bag and pick up trash while hiking, shovel some extra snow for your elderly neighbor, pick up someone's dog poop on a walk, etc. 

On a co-op level, it starts with finally opening the market in the Liberty Wells neighborhood, where other options to buy healthy foods are scarce. And then it is about paying employees fair wages, creating a safe space where all people feel welcome and have a chance to connect, and where we highlight, support, and partner with local farms and businesses. This way, more money is spent within the community, which stimulates economic growth and strengthens a more self-sustaining, interconnected economy. Guess that's a less sexy way of expressing my caring about community, but we all know money doesn't grow on trees, and people gotta eat ;)

5. What food/product are you most excited about being able to shop for at the Co-op? 

There are so many local companies I love! For example Mamachari's Kefir Water, Amour Spreads, Baby's Bagels, or Taproot Soda. I love buying and trying new things whenever I grocery shop. I imagine there will be a ton of locally made products at the Co-op that I have never even heard of before. I discovered a lot of my favorites at the farmer's market, which is unfortunately a seasonal thing. Having the Co-op be a one-stop shop for year-round access to some of your local faves is exciting.