URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The Common Ground Food Co-op has become an invaluable resource for locals seeking not only organic groceries but also a rich variety of educational opportunities. Offering classes on everything from sustainable living to wellness, the co-op serves as a communal space for those looking to engage with their community while learning new skills.

What is a Co-op?

A co-op, short for cooperative, is a business that is owned and operated by its members, rather than by investors. In a cooperative, profits are often reinvested into the business or distributed back to members in the form of dividends, rather than being funneled to external shareholders.

Common Ground Food Co-op is celebrating 50 years of commitment to providing healthy, affordable, and sustainably sourced food to the region. From humble beginnings as a buyer’s club to its current position as a thriving cooperative, Common Ground’s journey has been a testament to the power of community, cooperation, and resilience.

A Diverse Range of Classes

This month, guests can enjoy the Brazilian Virtual Cooking Class & Meal Kit on Saturday, February 22nd. Participants will have the chance to cook a traditional Brazilian meal, including feijoada, a savory meat stew, collard greens, rice, and orange slices. This virtual class, led by Brazilian cook Julia Paniago, will allow attendees to cook along from their own kitchens, with meal kits provided by the Co-op. Each class is taught using as many local foods as possible.

In addition, the Art Gallery Reception with Kathy Micek on Thursday, February 20th, is another exciting event. The reception will feature Kathy Micek’s latest artwork, available for sale, and guests can enjoy wine, charcuterie, and other refreshments while viewing the art.

New Partnership: Illinois WIC Program

In a major step towards increasing food access for local families, Common Ground is proud to announce that it will soon begin participating in the Illinois Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program. The WIC Program was implemented for use with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity funding. The Co-op has been awarded a grant of $83,000 for energy-efficient refrigeration upgrades, a crucial component for meeting WIC certification requirements. This state and federal program provides low-income women, children, and infants with nutrition counseling and monthly stipends to buy supplemental foods.

Common Ground’s participation in the program will not only help WIC participants access healthy, affordable food but also offer a wider range of conventional and brand-name products to shoppers who may be seeking more affordable options.

“We’re thrilled to expand food access to the WIC community, and we’re doing everything we can to meet the needs of our shoppers,” said Gary Taylor, General Manager. “If there’s a specific product you’ve been missing at Common Ground, let us know, and we’ll work on getting it in.”

Owner Deals All Year

Owners can enjoy perks with over 100 exclusive discounts on various products. These deals offer significant savings on a wide range of items. This is just another example of how Common Ground continues to support its loyal owners while ensuring that everyone can access affordable, sustainable, and local foods.

Owner Appreciation Days

To show appreciation for their loyal owners, Common Ground will be hosting Owner Appreciation Days in March. These special days offer a 10% discount off one entire shopping trip (excluding certain items), as well as a coupon book with exclusive deals valid from March to May. Owners will also receive the chance to win exciting raffle prizes and enjoy free Golden Ticket items.

Members of the co-op also enjoy special discounts on classes, access to exclusive events, and the ability to participate in cooperative governance. Members have a say in how the co-op is run, and many are involved in shaping the educational programs offered throughout the year.

Community Impact: Round Up for Good

The Co-op’s Round Up for Good program continues to have a positive impact. Last month, $4,904 was raised for the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, which provides meals to those in need in the community. The next recipient of the Round Up for Good donation is Planned Parenthood of Illinois – Champaign Health Center, which will use the funds to support reproductive healthcare and community programming.

“The Round Up for Good program is an incredible way for our members to give back to the community,” said Sara Buckman, Common Ground Co-op’s Marketing Manager. “It’s heartwarming to see how much we can accomplish when we come together for a cause.”

For more information on upcoming events, deals, and the Co-op’s mission, be sure to visit the Common Ground Food Co-op website or stop by their store at Lincoln Square Mall.