Casa Nueva-fixed errors

Around twenty-four years ago, a collection of former restaurant workers decided to create a worker-owned cooperative. According to Casa’s website, “A cooperative is any business organization which is owned and controlled through its members.” These workers decided to dedicate themselves to “Strengthening the environmental, economic, and social well being of their community by promoting wholesome products, democratic participation and responsible business practices” (casanueava.com). The food and ingredients they buy are mostly locally grown, and those that are not are still grown on organic farms around the region. It seems clear that they are trying to respect their mission to the best of their ability.
I interviewed Michelle Wasserman, who is one of the Food Managers at Casa. She is one of people who are responsible for what and where the different foods and ingredients come from. She also helps decide what dishes and items are put on the menu. I asked her why buying food locally is a good thing. She said, “Because it keeps money in the county and community, and gives jobs to others locally.” Michelle also explained that by buying food locally, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it is being grown, and who is growing it. “You build great relationships with people in the community”, she said.
I then asked Michelle how Casa helps promote environmental sustainability. I found out from her and from researching their website that Casa does everything they can to recycle and compost all their uncooked organic waste and egg shells. She informed me that the city of Athens takes plastics 1 and 2, newspaper, office scrap paper, clear and brown glass, cardboard and paperboard. Green glass just recently started being accepted as well, but before that Casa would give all their green glass bottles to Sheri Wilson from Blue Moon Bottles who turns them into stylistic furniture. Nothing seems to go wasted or unused at Casa.
When I asked her how she would like the public to view Casa, she responded by saying, “Organic!” She wants the public to know that what they are eating from Casa is truly organic and grown on local, fresh farms. They don’t buy from huge corporations that claim to be organic. “Casa cares about the local economy and health of the community”, said Wasserman. Currently Casa Nueva buys from thirty-five producers around Ohio and surrounding states.
Finally I asked what the future plans for Casa Nueva are. It is a big goal of Michelle’s and the other Food Managers to bring on one new producer per year. This will keep things diverse and they will be able to continue building relationships with local farmers and growers. She would also like to be able to get more of their grains from right in Athens rather than have to go to Pennsylvania for them. She mentioned how Casa is starting to work with Brandon Jaeger and Michelle Adjaminan in getting more of their grains from a local source. Clearly, Casa Nueva is playing a great part in the sustainability of our environment and local community. They seem to have great goals and a very innovative business plan. I am excited to see what sort of things they can accomplish in the future.

Casa Nueva. 20 Feb. 2009. .

Wasserman, Michelle. Personal Interview. 19 Feb. 2009.


1. What was the reason for the start of Casa Nueva? What was trying to be accomplished? What were the goals?

2. What is the mission of Casa Nueva?

3. Who finances Casa?

4. How does Casa promote environmental sustainability? Who benefits from this?

5. Why is buying food locally a good thing?

6. How would you like the public to view Casa Nueva?

7. What are the future plans for Casa?