Our cashiers, baggers, and Customer Service staff share their perspectives on how person-to-person connection and investing in co-op ownership builds and strengthens community care.
Wedge Co-ops as a Vital Third Space
What is a third space?
The concept of a “third space” as we interpret it here comes from the sociologist Ray Oldenburg. With the home acting as the first place and the workplace as the second, his “third space” theory describes a wide variety of public places playing host to informal gatherings. Oldenburg, a Minnesotan, believed that mental health and social wellness depend on a healthy sense of community. Farmer’s markets, neighborhood parks, and local co-ops are therefore vital to nurturing healthy, connected communities.
wedge builds community connections
As the department that every shopper engages with, Wedge Front End staff see this play out daily in their interactions. “What I see is customers and employees building long-term connections that sometimes span generations,” says Nathan, Front End Assistant Manager at Linden Hills. A lot of people…come in not just to shop, but to talk and see other people, whether it’s about sports, music, TV shows, or grandchildren.” Running into old friends or neighbors while stopping in for butter adds a sense of belonging as well. Kieran, a Front End Coordinator at Linden Hills, believes “a smaller store like the Wedge creates a community-oriented space that promotes relationships…[allowing] those seeking connection in a safe space where they feel included.”
a neighborhood store with unrivaled customer service
“Linden Hills is very much a ‘neighborhood’ store,” muses Nathan, “that’s palpable as soon as you walk through the doors. It starts with our amazing staff and ripples out to our customers…our staff are amazing and deliver probably the best customer service I’ve ever seen. We have something special here.”
more than groceries
Co-op ownership not only supports growers and makers in your community, it further strengthens that sense of belonging. “Becoming an owner is more than just access to our awesome deals,” says Luigi, Customer Service staff at our Lyndale store, “Wedge owners contribute to the community [by] donating to local nonprofits and purchasing local products.” Libby, Front End Coordinator at Linden Hills, explains, “Co-ops support local agriculture and local makers [through] exposure and market power…reinvesting into and intentionally strengthening our local communities is key to moving forward in these difficult times.”
2026 owner drive
Throughout March we’re hosting an Owner Drive. If you’re unsure if ownership would be valuable for you, take a page from Libby’s book, “We spent decades as a collective…incorporating ‘self care’ into our busy lives. [These days,] ‘community care’ is a powerful antidote…bringing people together to share resources, support, and find new ways to care for each other.”
Why become a Wedge owner? Just ask our staff!
“[Ownership] is a lifetime commitment to build a strong local food system that is mutually beneficial to everyone involved.” -Kieran
“I love that co-ops support local agriculture and local makers.” -Libby
“It makes financial sense! We have…a wide variety of discounts and promotions for owners. Once you join, you’re an owner for life.” -Nathan
Become an owner today! Learn more and join here.