July 2020
In this month's newsletter:
  • A Word from the GM
  • A Word from your Board
  • Events, Announcements, & Community Happenings
  • Online Ordering Coming Soon
  • The Grand Re-Opening of the Cafe
  • Bulk Aisle Updates
  • New Store Hours
  • July 4th Hours
  • Bag Charge Re-Instated
  • Donate to the Bucket Brigade (plus CGFC's donation match!)
  • Solar Power Hour
  • Exciting New Products
  • Round Up For Good Update
  • Classes Canceled Until Further Notice
  • Thanks for Reading $2 Off Coupon
"It is so hard for us to truly express in words the anger, emotional pain, and frustration that we feel as we confront our own and each other's mindsets regarding racism. We must accept that each of us needs to participate in what may be an uncomfortable dialogue in order to achieve the necessary understanding to resolve the issues at hand. We must listen more than we speak; we must learn more than we teach."



"This year, the Board agreed to keep our Ends as they are currently written, but that the next Board should seriously consider if they need to be updated in 2021. However, now is the time to really dig into End 1 (center of a vibrant, inclusive community)and what that means for all of us. Our Board elections will take place in September, and our Fall Meeting of Owners will likely be held virtually. If you would like to be a core part of the process to re-affirm (or change!) our Ends, joining the Board would be the first step in that process."

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 is exploring options for online meetings. Email board@commonground.coop for more information!
Since the beginning of the COVID restrictions, Common Ground has been developing an online platform for grocery shopping. We turned to phone orders until the online store was fully developed and ready to launch. The Co-op is excited to announce that we are closer than ever to transitioning to online ordering as a way to continue our curbside pick-up services.

Online ordering will be available Sunday - Friday. Place an order, choose your pick-up time, and pay online.
When you arrive for pick-up, call the store and our curbside staff will load your groceries for you!

The official launch date will be mid to late July.
Watch for our announcement!

In the meantime, consider placing a phone order on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday!
At long last, the Cafe is beginning its re-opening process! Starting July 6th, coffee & tea will be available for purchase! Read below for all the details:

  • Cafe will be open from 7:30am - 4:00pm.
  • Our full coffee & tea menu will be available.
  • Self-serve drip coffee will also be available.
  • No personal mugs are permitted at this time.
  • On July 16th, made-to-order sandwiches, pizzas, along with self-serve soup & salad bar will be available.

We look forward to serving you again!
 
BULK AISLE UPDATE
Moving into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, self-serve bulk bins will slowly return to the Bulk Aisle, and we will phase out the pre-packaged bulk options.

Hand sanitizer will be available for customer use in the bulk aisle. Staff will also be sanitizing the scoops, spoons, and tongs every two hours. Every bulk bin will be washed & sanitized before returning to the floor.

No personal containers are permitted at this time.
BAG CHARGE RE-INSTATED
On July 13th, Common Ground will re-instate the bag charge. During the height of COVID, the Co-op stopped charging for disposable paper bags; however, this 30 cent charge will start back up mid-July.

Common Ground is still allowing reusable grocery bags at check-out, but we do ask that customers bag their own groceries if using cloth bags.
DONATE TO THE BUCKET BRIGADE --
& the Co-op will match your donation!
Common Ground is collaborating with the Channing Murray Foundation & Cunningham Township to help feed our neighbors in need. One bucket provides a week's worth of meals for a local family.

Our owners & shoppers have the opportunity to buy a full or half bucket to donate to the Bucket Brigade. Bonus: the Co-op is matching every donation!

Our goal is to raise 100 buckets in July and August each , providing a total of $5,000 worth of food to our immediate community!

Full Bucket = $50
1/2 Bucket = $25
SOLAR POWER HOUR IS BACK!
Thinking about going solar? Solar energy is a great way to reduce your energy bills, support the local economy, and help create a healthier environment!
If you are a Champaign, Piatt, or Vermilion County home or business owner, attend a free, virtual Solar Power Hour webinar on Zoom to learn more about the Solar Urbana Champaign program, an initiative aimed at making solar more accessible and affordable in our community. Come learn about the basics of solar, its financial benefits, and how the solar-group-buy program works. After the session, you can schedule a free, no-obligation site assessment. For more information, click here!

Come join us and see if solar is right for you! 

Contact Peter Murphy, Solar Program Director at MREA with any questions – info@growsolar.org
Co-op Made Gourmet Wraps

  • Curried Vegetable Wrap
  • Buffalo Chicken Wrap
  • Chicken Verde Wrap

Found in the Grab n' Go cooler
near the Cafe




Jovial
EinKorn Pasta, Crackers, &
Wheat Berries

Found in Aisles 2 & 3


Greener Things Soap Nuts

Found in Aisle 5


Just Date Pomegranate Molasses

Found in Aisle 2


Giovanni 2Chic Hot Oil Hair Treatment

Found in the Wellness Section

Madhava
Ancient Grains Brownie, Cake, & Pancake Mixes

Found in Aisle 2

More New Products:

  • Matcha Love Unsweetened Matcha Powder (in place of AIYA matcha powder)
  • Caboo Bamboo Facial Tissue
  • Full Circle Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels
  • Derma E Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 30
  • Gorgonzola Dolce cheese by IGOR of Mitica
  • Wixter Seafood frozen fish: steelhead trout, haddock, shrimp
  • D'Artagnan Meats: ground bison, Wagyu ground beef
June Round Up Recipient: Eastern Illinois Foodbank
Round Up for Good Update
In June, we Rounded Up over $3,200 for Eastern Illinois Foodbank. Eastern Illinois Foodbank exists to alleviate hunger and nourish stronger communities. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed the hungry. The Foodbank acquires millions of pounds of food and grocery product through purchase or donation and distributes it across their network of more than 160 feeding programs. They have been an incredible resource during the COVID-19 pandemic in supplying food to those in need.

July Round Up: Prairie Rivers Network
Introducing the July Round Up For Good Recipient
In July, we are Rounding Up for Prairie Rivers Network, a local organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and preservation. At Prairie Rivers Network, they protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, they protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our local lands, and transform how we as a community care for the earth and for each other.
Due to COVID-19, all classes and events have been canceled until further notice. Keep an eye out for updates!
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 July. May not be reused or used for sale items, Co-op Basics, or alcohol.