A story by Tara Morelos, Chair Alfalfa House & Extended Family Housing Co-op
Alfalfa House Community Food Co-operative in Sydney’s Inner West, once the vanguard of Australia’s wholefood revolution, closed its retail business in April 2023 after 40 years of solid community service. While the vegan, and chemical-free product space was booming, Alfalfa House had 5 years of consistently declining sales and a hefty rent increase mid Covid. The membership was decimated. Previously loyal members had either relocated, become disenchanted, or were crisis fatigued, while many newer members had no interest in cooperative principles – it had become just another shop.
The cooperative venture was on the rocks – without participation there can be no cooperation. Enter STUCCO Housing Cooperative! Yes, the lovely shop front was closed but heartened by Co-op peers and their generous offer of secure basement storage for shop fridges and fittings, there was a little breathing space to contemplate the future.
Alfalfa House Co-operative continues rebuilding its community on land provided by Transport for NSW as managers of Newtown Station Kitchen Garden – a productive green patch with plenty of cooperative soul. In winding up the shop, bags of dried goods were given to STUCCO, and since then, a steady supply of leafy greens and other vegetables has been delivered. STUCCO saved their vegan bacon, demonstrating real cooperation among Co-operatives and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the shared community.
