This month we're delighted to shine the Spotlight on the Honorable Michelle Ostrelich, known widely for hear leadership as a Schenectady County Legislator in District 3 (representing Glenville, Niskayuna, and Scotia), and less widely as Electric City Community Grocery Member-Owner #253!  Wearing many different hats, Michelle puts her love for nourishing food and flourishing communities into action - as reflected by her profile picture to the right AND her recent Times Union Op-Ed  "Commentary: Schenectady County is trying to fight hunger, but needs more help from the state" that she co-wrote with the Honorable Omar Sterling McGill (MO#620).  We are so grateful for the support of our Schenectady County Legislators as we work to open our downtown grocery store and move toward a future of food sovereignty and security!  Let's get to know more about Michelle Ostrelich!

Michelle lives in Niskayuna with her husband and their two teenage daughters. Over the past twenty years, Michelle has spent her time raising her family, serving on boards, volunteering for local organizations, and engaging in advocacy and community organizing. Since 2019, she has been a member of the Schenectady County Legislature where she serves as Chair of the Health, Housing and Human Services Committee. Through her work she has a special appreciation for organizations that fight hunger and food insecurity. 

Michelle loves to cook and host holidays and parties at her home. She takes great delight in bringing people together to enjoy a meal and each other’s company. But Michelle also knows what it’s like to raise children who have food aversions and sensory issues. Knowing that each person’s relationship to food varies and can often be very complex, she hopes that the ECFCG will become a hub and a trusted resource for healthy eating for everyone in our community.

1.What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

Joining and continuing to support the Electric City Food Community Grocery has been an easy decision. First, I admire and adore Kat Wolfram who originally shared her vision with me of a cooperative market in the City of Schenectady. Second, I have been excited to see the new energy and progress of ECFCG’s Board. And third, I know the market will give several neighborhoods access to low-cost, healthy foods.!

2.What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

In addition to giving several neighborhoods access to a robust grocery store, I believe the market will help sustain and support the efforts of so many people over the last 15 years who planned and built a thriving downtown. 

3. What do you love about Schenectady?

The people. I have found this community to be incredibly welcoming. It is easy to get involved and make an impact here. So many people volunteer, and there is a wonderful culture of "working together works". Every day, I've been blessed to meet people from all walks of life who I learn from, have fun with, and do good work with.