Common Ground Food Co-op strengthens local partnerships and food access in Urbana

URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A major behind-the-scenes upgrade is underway at Common Ground Food Co-op, where crews are replacing a 30-year-old refrigeration wall with help from a DCEO grant through the State of Illinois. The project is expected to take about a week, with overnight work scheduled to minimize disruption for shoppers.

Despite the construction, the co-op continues to offer its full range of prepared foods, dairy, beer, produce, and specialty items.

“This upgrade is a big investment in the future of the co-op,” said Sarah Buckman, Marketing Manager for Common Ground Food Co-op. “We’re making sure our systems are efficient and reliable so we can continue supporting local farmers, producers, and our community for decades to come.”

Buckman said maintaining strong local partnerships is central to the co-op’s mission. When you shop here, you’re supporting small growers, fair trade practices, and a whole ecosystem of local food producers.”

Local, Regional and Cooperative Buying Power

Common Ground coordinates purchasing through National Co-op Grocers (NCG), a national network that gives small co-ops stronger buying power and more competitive distribution rates across three regional corridors. That collaboration allows the Urbana store to stock both well-known cooperative brands and unique local goods.

“One of the most exciting parts is watching how vendors grow with us,” Buckman said. “Many start at the farmers market and gain momentum there. Then they move into the co-op.”

Shoppers will find brands such as Frontier Co-ops (known for non-GMO and organic products), Aura Cacia fair-trade goods from Iowa, and wellness and skincare lines like Glow by Lola, Wild Botanicals, and Wyldwood Cellars. Hand-knit hats and gloves from Bolivia and Peru add an artisan touch, while the store’s kids’ section has expanded with puzzles, sticker books, and activities.

The wellness department has been especially busy this month during flu season. Wellness Manager, Sharlie, and her team, help customers navigate supplements and natural health products. One top-selling favorite is “Beefy Balm,” a thick, nourishing topical salve made with rich oils and botanicals, often used to soothe dry skin, hands, lips, and sore muscles.

The co-op’s popular bulk department continues to attract shoppers looking to save money and reduce packaging waste. Customers can bring their own containers and pay only for the product weight. Bulk offerings include spices, teas, dried fruit, nuts, grains, oatmeal, granola, pretzels, snacks, supplements, and coffee. Shoppers can also grind their own peanut butter or coffee on site.

Local products remain a major draw, including Severson Farm Oatmeal, locally roasted coffees from Mad Goat, Intuition (Peoria), Elm City (Urbana), and Just Coffee, along with bulk coffee options.

Produce, Cheese and Seasonal Highlights

The produce department features a strong selection of local vegetables, including squash and potatoes, carrots, turnips, and purple kohlrabi from Sola Gratia Farm, and hydroponic lettuce from Greens for You in Arthur, Illinois. The co-op now carries honey from Curtis Orchard, including varieties with honeycomb and Miller Apple Butters from Ava, Illinois.

A large specialty cheese kiosk anchors the dairy section, while cooking cheeses line a separate wall. Citrus season is also in full swing, with eye-catching options like Buddha’s Hand, prized for its fragrant rind and use in marmalades, perfumes, and religious traditions.

Access, Education and Membership

Common Ground participates in the “Food for All” program, offering qualifying low-income households 10 percent off co-op basics — including produce and the co-op’s Field Day private-label line, a mostly organic option at a lower price point.

Classes are another popular feature. Art workshops and cooking classes — both in person and virtual — frequently sell out.

“We are very proud to be keeping that legacy,” Buckman said. “A food co-op isn’t just a grocery store. It’s about education, access, and building a stronger local food system together.”

Community members are encouraged to ask for a store tour, learn about ownership, and explore membership benefits at
www.commonground.coop/ownership/become-an-owner. For updates on classes, deals, and events, follow Common Ground Food Co-op on Facebook at
facebook.com/CommonGroundFoodCoop.