Isuken Coop

Isuken is the nation’s first Somali Bantu farm-to-table, worker-cooperative, food truck and Lewiston’s new destination for fresh local food and Somali Bantu cuisine. ‘Isuken’ means unity and togetherness. Isuken is a worker-owned cooperative with the five members and their families sharing equally in the responsibilities and rewards of the business. They make decisions collaboratively and support each other in the co-op. This co-op structure is based on the traditional form of democratic cooperation known as “Iskashito,” where they farmed and worked together. Their vegetables are grown by Somali Bantu farmers locally and prepared lovingly by the mothers and grandmothers who own the cooperative. They grow vegetables for the truck on their farm outside of Lewiston and source from other Somali Bantu and Maine farmers. They share the culinary and agricultural talents of Somali Bantu farmers and chefs with the Maine community. The Somali Bantu people have been farmers for generations and have fed and nourished their own community and country. Through Isuken, they now grow and cook for their American neighbors. They can be found at festivals, farms, markets and other events throughout Maine. In addition to these events they also fulfill special catering orders. For more information, please see their website.