In this month's newsletter:
- A Word from the General Manager
- A Word from Your Board
- Events, Announcements, & Community Happenings
- Celebrating National Co-op Month
- Survey from the Board of Directors
- Owner Election Results
- Introducing New Board Directors
- 2021 Round Up For Good Line-Up
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Shop Online with Curbside Pick-Up
- Pre-Order Your Local Turkey
- Looking Ahead to Thanksgiving in the Deli: COVID Edition!
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Changes to our Prepared Foods & Bulk Departments, plus COVID Safety in Phase 4
- Exciting New Products
- Round Up For Good Update
- Classes Canceled Until Further Notice
- Thanks for Reading $2 Off Coupon
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"It is National Co-op Month. What does that even mean?
To me it is a time to celebrate the difference between the mission of our business model and the mission of the conventional business model... We here at Common Ground do our utmost to keep as much of the money that passes through our registers right here in the Urbana-Champaign area...We are proud to be one of the very few truly locally owned grocery stores in our area. Our goals are to support the inclusive community in which our shoppers live, educate our community about food issues, help support other coops, and to provide an outlet for the goods produced by local businesses."
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"On September 17th, Common Ground Food Co-op held the first ever virtual Meeting of the Owners, the Zoom MOO we called it. Normally the MOO would have a big spread of food and a lively crowd of owners mingling around, but as with many things in the era of COVID, this year was different. As we all sat down to our screens, tested our microphones, and prepared for another synchronous session, I was struck by how normal it felt...This is the new normal and Common Ground is finding ways to adapt."
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The Board of Directors typically meets the second Monday of the month from 6:15 to 8:15 pm in the Flatlander Classroom.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors meets online via Zoom.
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CELEBRATING NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH |
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Happy National Co-op Month!
What's the big deal with co-ops anyway? Check out our latest blog post all about celebrating the cooperative business model and our food co-op specifically!
"A food co-op is particularly special compared to a regular grocery. First and foremost... food co-ops are owned by their community, rather than an exclusive group of people, or even a single person. Food co-ops are governed by a Board of Directors, similar to a non-profit, though most food co-ops are actually for-profit businesses. This Board of Directors is elected by the owner base, giving the community a voice in who runs the co-op.
Just as importantly as who owns the co-ops is what's stocked in the store. Food co-ops strive to provide the tastiest, most nutritional local foods possible. At Common Ground, we have nearly 100 local producers located within 100 miles of the Co-op. Imagine the amount of business being given to these local farmers and producers, keeping more money in our immediate location than any other grocery store. Co-ops seek to feed their local community with foods sourced from their local farms in order to keep the maximum amount of money in their local economy."
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SURVEY FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
What do our Ends mean to you?
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We are clarifying our Ends and need your input!
This survey will shape Common Ground's practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. It's a key opportunity for our community to voice their thoughts on how the Co-op can become the most diverse, inclusive, and representative of the CU community, as well as how the Co-op can support the local food system, ensuring equity and environmental sustainability.
What is a vibrant inclusive community? What is an equitable, robust, and environmentally sound local food system?
by midnight Sunday, Oct. 4
This survey is for everyone -- not just owners! Please spread it far and wide to your personal and professional networks for the most comprehensive input possible!
We want this survey to be accessible to all, regardless of literacy or ability. Please contact Evelyne Tardy at [email protected] for support.
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OWNER ELECTION RESULTS
Meet your new board directors
& 2021 Round Up For Good recipients
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Thank you to all our owners who participated in the election last month! Here is a message from the Board of Directors, followed by the newly elected board directors and the 2021 Round Up For Good recipients:
In a year that is not normal, our Board Election is just following the trend. We had plenty of excellent candidates, and our election saw 585 owners, or 11%, vote, the highest turnout on record. This year, however, we also had three candidates decline seats as we contacted them after the election. Jacqueline Hannah expresses deep regrets but is unable to serve at this time due to unexpected personal life changes, Karen Linder has had work responsibilities change, and Jessy Ruddell also had work conflicts that would prevent her from serving at this time.
Our newly elected board is as follows (listed in alphabetical order):
Serving 2020-2023
Ben Galewsky
Ming Kuo
Taidghin O'Brien
Serving 2020-2021
Brandon Boys
Robert Taylor
Calvin Wang
They will be joining Colin Dodson, JP Goguen, and Evelyne Tardy, all serving a 2019-2022 term.
We would like to thank outgoing board members Karen Carney, Magdalena Casper-Shipp, Rey Dalitto, and Michael Feltes for their service.
2021 Round Up For Good Recipients
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
Eastern Illinois Food Bank
Planned Parenthood of Illinois: Champaign Health Center
Sola Gratia Farm
Rape, Advocacy, Counseling, Education Services (R.A.C.E.S.)
Crisis Nursery
Buy Black Chambana
Courage Connection
Prairie Rivers Network
Immigrant Services of CU (formerly CU FAIR)
Champaign County Humane Society
Common Ground's Food For All Program
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SHOP CO-OP FROM
THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
Try our online ordering with curbside pick-up service!
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We've added more than 1000 items to the Co-op Shop -- and we're still growing! As COVID continues and the weather starts to turn chilly, let us do
the shopping for you! Order from the comfort of your home; pick up from the comfort of your car!
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PRE-ORDER YOUR LOCAL
TRIPLE S FARMS TURKEY
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Get a jump start on your holidays by pre-ordering your local, pasture-raised turkey from Triple S Farms of Stewardson, IL.
Pre-order before November 6th for 50¢ off per pound, an entry to win your turkey for free, plus receive a complementary jar of regional Nature's Keeper black currant jam!
A nonrefundable $20 deposit is required for pre-orders.
Pre-orders are taken both in-store and online. Follow the link below to order online!
Pre-orders can be picked up in-store in the mall hallway and through our curbside service. Turkeys are only available during the designated dates and time frames.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO THANKSGIVING IN THE DELI: COVID EDITION |
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Nothing can stop our Thanksgiving in the Deli -- but COVID can alter it! This year, we are forgoing the buffet and opting for a Grab n' Go Thanksgiving. All your favorite dishes will be there, including tons of wheat-free and vegan options.
Grab n' Go Thanksgiving dishes will be available starting early November in our Grab n' Go case near the Cafe, alongside some of our regular offerings. The week of Thanksgiving, though, the Grab n' Go will be completely full of all Our Own Thanksgiving offerings.
Keep an eye out for this year's menu!
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New to the Co-op? What is Thanksgiving in the Deli?
Thanksgiving in the Deli is our prized autumn event where the salad bar is transformed into a Thanksgiving buffet. People flock to the Co-op to get their Thanksgiving meals made by Our Own kitchen staff. Everything is made in-house and completely from scratch.
This year we're making some adjustments, though. Be sure to try out some of Our Own pre-packaged Thanksgiving goodies starting in November!
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PREP FOODS CHANGES & COVID SAFETY DURING PHASE 4 |
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We have made some changes to our Prepared Foods & Bulk departments.
The salad bar is no longer in use. Pre-packaged salads are available in the
Grab n' Go case.
Hot soup is no longer available throughout the weekend.
Our top selling bulk items are available pre-packaged near the Cafe counter as well as in bulk bins.
Remember to follow these rules when utilizing
the self-service stations & bulk aisle:
Before serving yourself at the soup well or coffee station, always use the provided hand sanitizer.
Please be mindful of physical distancing while waiting to serve yourself in the Cafe area. CDC still recommends maintaining 6 feet distance whenever possible.
Remember that masks are still required to enter Common Ground. Be sure your mask is always covering both your nose and your mouth, especially when you are serving yourself or shopping in the bulk foods aisle.
When shopping in the bulk foods aisle, always use the provided hand sanitizer before handling the scoops or tongs.
No personal containers are permitted in the cafe or bulk aisle at this time.
And remember, if you’re not comfortable with the self-service stations, we have tons of pre-packaged grab n’ go options in the cooler! Selections include cold soups, our famous Asian baked tofu, pesto veggie wrap, and our ever-popular and ever-rotating entrees!
Please know Common Ground staff is committed to the highest level of safety for our staff and customers. We are changing out soup utensils hourly, sanitizing high-touch surfaces throughout the store hourly, and sanitizing the bulk foods scoops and tongs hourly.
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LOCAL PRODUCE UPDATE
October is when we see some of the local summer goodness begin to end. But that's when we also start to see such wonders as a wide variety of fun and funky winter squash, all manner of potatoes and sweet potatoes, an abundance of greens, and we creep closer to when fabulous fall carrots will be available. Will we see them in October or November this year? No one knows yet, but whenever it is, we promise to have them in delicious abundance. And don't forget to pick up some local apple cider!
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FROM THE CAFE: PUMPKIN CHAI LATTE |
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Our October Drink of the Month is a Pumpkin Chai Latte!
Made with "Our Own" pumpkin syrup & chai concentrate
Choose your milk of preference!
12oz: $4.00
16 oz $4.50
Remember, all our Drinks of the Month are $1 off on Fridays!
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MAST ORGANIC CHOCOLATE BARS
oat milk, lavender, & coffee flavors
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WOODSTOCK FROZEN MIXED MUSHROOMS
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JULIAN'S FROZEN GARLIC BREAD |
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SAN PELLEGRINO
LEMON & MINT ITALIAN SODA
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October Round Up For Good: Courage Connection |
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In October, we are rounding up for Courage Connection. Courage Connection is a local non-profit, providing comprehensive domestic violence services including housing and other supportive services to individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence. Courage Connection is committed to ensuring every member of our community can live in healthy, safe relationships.
Mark your calendars for October 15th for National Wear Purple Day. Courage Connection is asking the community to wear purple in support of survivors of domestic violence.
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September Round Up For Good: Planned Parenthood Champaign Health Center |
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In September, we rounded up for over $3,90 for Planned Parenthood Champaign Health Center. Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. |
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Due to COVID-19, all classes and events have been canceled until further notice.
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Enjoy $2 off your next purchase of $15 or more |
Just bring in this slip or show it on your device. Valid through the end of October. May not be reused or used for sale items, Co-op Basics, or alcohol.
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