What’s his name?

Shawn Belschwender, Owner #1572.

What motivated you to become an Owner of Chicago Market?

I’d like to support local produce suppliers and Chicago businesses, as well as shop where the amount of plastics and packaging is reduced to the minimum possible.

What type of work do you do?

Graphics.

What else is really important to you…and why?

Fair wages and decent, full-time jobs our Co-op would provide for the community. I’m encouraged by the commitment Chicago Market professes to have to the local community, to be closely interrelated with and sensitive to its concerns. Good jobs at the Co-op would provide an extra tangible benefit for Chicago, in addition to providing our neighbors with access to better foods and supporting our local farms.

Is there something new you’d like to learn or pursue…either now or someday?

Traveling. I’d like to see more of the United States and the world – and try to improve my photography skills along the way.

Do you have a favorite food or “signature dish”?

My signature “dishes” are pretty much all pastries. I like to provide the pies on Thanksgiving (apple is my favorite).

What’s your ‘one wish come true' for Chicago Market? 

Reusable containers for bulk items such as coffee, nuts, grains (and more). I’m unhappy with the way grocers such as Whole Foods use so much plastic. Perhaps some kind of monetary encouragement or incentives for the use of reusables – perhaps even provided by Chicago Market to help push this initiative.

We also have so many great Chicago businesses making beer, bread, roasted coffee, etc. -- many of whom already support practices similar to what Chicago Market supports, and I’d like our Market to feature them when it can.

What three words best describe you.

I’m at loss here.

(Editor’s note: Compassionate, eco-concerned, and community-minded come to mind!)