Jacqueline Hannah Joins Food Co-op Initiative

Jacqueline Hannah, previously general manager of the Common Ground Food Co-op in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, brings her co-op expertise and passion to Food Co-op Initiative where she will share it with new food co-op organizers across the country. The leader in growing a small co-op through exponential growth and multiple expansions, Jacqueline has the fiscal and business expertise to inspire the next generation of food co-ops.  As Food Co-op Development Specialist she will provide guidance and training to organizers, help develop new resources, and collaborate with our partners in co-op development to build a stronger network of support. “Jacqueline’s incredible enthusiasm and commitment to growing co-ops will help Food Co-op Initiative expand our reach and quality of service to the 100’s of communities striving to open their own food co-ops,” notes Executive Director Stuart Reid.

Jacqueline had worked exclusively for independent local businesses in retail management for over 18 years, but it was only in the fall of 2006 when she was hired as the General Manager of Common Ground Food Co-op that she finally found a job that combined her passion for business, management, and sustainable food as well as her belief that businesses should exist to enrich the communities they exist in.

In 2010 Jacqueline was named one of the "40 Under 40" business people of excellence by Central Illinois Business Magazine, and in 2011 she was awarded the Innovation Award for Economic Development Impact for her work with Common Ground Food Co-op. She received the Cooperative Service Award at the 2013 Crossroads Cooperative Summit.