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What's New at Common Ground?
Jacqueline Hannah, General Manager
 I
was interviewed last night by a journalism student for a class
project: a profile of a local business
and what makes it unique. The video camera was set up, the mike was ready,
the student asked what makes Common Ground unique in our community
and I readily answered, "there are many things, but the most
powerful is that Common Ground is a cooperative."
"What
makes Common Ground a cooperative? And what makes a co-op a co-op?"
the student replied.
It
was a great set of questions, questions that many of us might not
know the answers to, even though we are members of Common Ground and
own a share of the Co-op. Let's
take a look at the answers.
All
cooperative businesses adhere to seven guiding principles. These
seven principles are the bedrock of all co-ops, from Common Ground
to credit unions (all credit unions are co-ops) to Ocean Spray (a
farmer cooperative since 1930!).
The
principles are:
- voluntary
and open membership
- democratic
member control
- members'
economic participation
- autonomy
and independence
- education,
training, and information
- cooperation
among cooperatives
- concern
for community
Cooperative
principle number one is voluntary and open membership. At Common
Ground, anyone over the age of 17 who is willing to take on the
responsibilities of membership can become a member, at any time.
Each co-op defines for itself what the responsibilities of membership
are. At Common Ground, they are:
-
purchasing
one equity share in the co-op -
shopping
at least once a year with the co-op
That's
all there is to it. Membership is open to all. If
you want to be a member, you purchase your ownership share and get as
involved as you like at your local food co-op. To continue reading, click here!
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Local Producer Profile: Prairie Fruits Farm Q&A with Leslie Cooperband & Wes Jarrell
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 What does your farm name mean to you?
Prairie Fruits Farm reflects our place--Illinois prairie, our soils--rich dark prairie soils; fruits reflects what we grow (lots of different organic fruits) but also the fruits of our labors (the goats, the goat cheese). We wanted to have a farm name that reflected our place.
Where is your farm located?
Our farm is located about 4-5 miles from the Common Ground Food Coop on North Lincoln Avenue (2 miles north of Interstate 74)
How many miles do you travel to reach Common Ground?
We travel about 4-5 miles to Common Ground.
How long have you been farming?
Four years.
What do you grow or raise on your farm?
We grow tree fruits (peaches, apples, pears, cherries, apricots) berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries), pasture, hay; some vegetables for our own consumption and for our farm dinners. All our owned land (7 acres) is certified organic, so the all of the fruits and veggies and some of the pastures are certified organic. The remaining land that we manage (an additional 32 acres adjacent to our property) is managed organically as well.
What is your signature product?
Farmstead goat cheeses.
When and why did you make the switch to organic farming?
We didn't make the switch. As soon as we purchased our farm we started the transition process to organic because we believe in farming ecologically and employing nature in growing food.
What do you enjoy most about farming?
Every day is different. The physical labor is challenging but rewarding. I love our goats and I love being a cheesemaker. I love being able to grow food that tastes so good, it blows you away.
What do you find most challenging about being a farmer?
The unpredicatability of the weather, the animals, the constancy.
What is your philosophy/perspective on farming and agriculture?
We strive to farm sustainably--environmentally, socially and economically. We focus on raising food for our local markets. We want to provide high quality fruits and goat milk products for our community first. We also want our community to recognize the value of maintaining a local and diverse agriculture and to develop policies that embody those values. We also want our farm to be a place where the community can come and see a diverse, healthy fruit and livestock farm.
Is there anything else you'd like Common Ground members to know about your farm?
We offer "dinners on the farm" during the warmer months of the year (late May through October). Our website: www.prairiefruits.com will have dates for the dinners in the near future. It's a great way to enjoy the amazing local food being grown in Central Illinois and experience the joy of eating outdoors on a farm in the prairie.
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Staff Pick: Maca Root and Chia Seeds
Pit Steffan, Grocery Receiver
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 Maca Powder
is a dried powdered root that grows in the Highlands of Peru and has
been used there for many centuries. It is loaded with phyto-nutrients,
alkaloids, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients. Maca is said to
help with PMS and menopausal symptoms; boost libido, fertility, and
stamina; and will give you a caffeine free lift that nourishes your
body. I usually mix it with tahini or other nut butters and honey, or
put it in my favorite rice, soy, or almond milk.
Chia Seeds are
very high in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. They are also high
in fiber, calcium, and protein and are packed with vitamins, minerals,
and antioxidants. They absorb 12 times their weight in water and get
'jellied' when mixed in liquid. They can also be eaten raw or used
like poppy seeds in bread or muffins. The ancient Aztecs and
Southwestern Tribes used them to prolong endurance.
Adding
either one of these super foods to your diet will make you feel great and you will experience a pleasant boost to your overall
energy level. If you have further questions about how to use Maca Powder or Chia Seeds, feel free to contact me.
Both of these items can be found in Common Ground's Health and Beauty Department! Just ask at the register if you need assistance.
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Recipe: Wassail, Wassail, All
Over the Town!
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 Ah, December. It's time
to take out my impractical, oversized ceramic bowl and brew up a big
hearty bowl of wassail. Wassail is a Germanic tradition originally
and a truly old fashioned wassail has little in common with what we
know as wassail now. These days, an American-style wassail generally
resembles a spiced cider.
Now, when I make
wassail, I make it like my British great-grandfather did. I never
got to taste a batch he made himself as I was much too little at
those parties to be allowed, but I have tasted my grandmother's
batches of her dear ol' dad's recipe and it is something
special, but I am biased. It's a nice blend of a classic
wassail, which was all alcohol and spices, and a more modern wassail
with some cider to soften the kick.
Below, I've given
you my recipe for wassail. This is an alcoholic wassail, so make
sure you stop by the locally-owned Corkscrew Fine Spirits shop just a
few blocks over on Vine Street for your tipple, they would be happy
to help you pick out just the right sherry or brandy.
Brew up a batch, put it
in the punch bowl, and invite your friends to stop by for some
holiday cheer, perhaps even some caroling! For the complete recipe, click here!
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| Green Living: Sustainable Gift Giving
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 I love, love, love
the Winter holiday season--the food, the lights, the music, friends
& family, cramming a large evergreen tree into my too-small living
room--but I could do without the rampant consumerism and emphasis on
stuff. While I still enjoy giving gifts, I want them to be gifts that I can
feel good about purchasing and giving, gifts that were produced in a
way that honors individuals and the environment. Are you, too, looking
for a way to make your holiday gift giving more meaningful and
sustainable? If so, check out some of the suggestions below:
SHOP LOCALLY
.
Support
Champaign-Urbana businesses and strengthen the local economy! C-U has
many wonderful locally-owned businesses that would appreciate your
support this holiday season. Ten Thousand Villages, Pages for All Ages, Furniture Lounge, and B. Lime: A Green Store (Grand Opening this Saturday!)
all come to mind when thinking of local businesses that promote
sustainability, fair trade, and reuse. Have a favorite local store
that you'd like to tell Common Ground members about? Send me an email
and I'll add it to our website!
SHOP RESPONSIBLY
Sustainable gift items seem to be everywhere these days, with many great options available locally (see above)
and online. If internet shopping is most convenient for you, check out
Inhabitat.com's fabulous 'Green Holiday Gift Guide,' which features a
wide array of items that are hand-made, recycled, or
made from sustainable materials, conveniently divided into categories
for each person on your list! Etsy is also a great resource for unique gifts; try the
'Buy Local' function to find artists in your area. Just remember, your
gift doesn't
have to be made of recycled pop bottles to be sustainable--if it's
something that's
meaningful to the recipient, made to last, and will be treasured for
years or decades
to come, that's sustainable too!
MAKE IT YOURSELF!
Personally, I like to make
gifts more than I like to receive
them! Over the years, my husband and I have created some pretty
enviable gifts out of
felted sweaters, scrap wood, found paper, and vintage tripods.
Handcrafted and personalized gifts are so much fun to make, and they
are the best option when you have more time than money!
If you'd like to try your hand at a homemade gift, look to some of the
following websites for inspiration and instruction: Readymade Magazine, Design Sponge, and the DIY Network. And don't forget the
best homemade gift of all: FOOD! Common Ground has you covered in this
department--we've stocked up on sugars, flours, chocolate and many
other baking supplies for all of your holiday baking needs!
For gifts available at Common Ground Food Co-op, see the sidebar!
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Thanks for shopping at Common Ground!
Remember, membership is not required to shop at Common Ground! Anyone can shop in the store, but there are some great benefits to joining and we are always happy to welcome new members! |
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Did You Know?
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Did you know that you can revive wilty lettuce and greens by trimming
the stems and soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes? Drain, wrap
loosely in a plastic bag, and refrigerate overnight. They'll perk up
amazingly. This also works with parsley and cilantro.
~Jessy Ruddell
Produce Manager
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Gift Ideas at Common Ground
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Finger Puppets: Hand-made in Peru and outrageously cute!
Sweet Earth Chocolates & Treats: Fair Trade and delicious!
Slingshot Organizer: Your favorite radical calendar/planner!
Alaffia Baskets: Beautiful woven market baskets from Africa!
Alaffia Skin Care: Hand-crafted shea butter lotions and cleansers!
Chocolate Bars: In many delicious flavors! All fair trade of course!
Maggie's Organic Socks: The essential stocking stuffer! In great colors!
Soap, Soap, Soap: We've got goat's milk, vegetable, scented, and more!
Equal Exchange Coffee and Just Coffee: Nothing beats great coffee in the wintertime!
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December Sales!
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Check out this month's sales!
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CLOSING EARLY!
Common Ground will be closing at 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 7 so that the staff can gather for meeting. Thank you for your understanding. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT COMMON GROUND!
It's a month of Saturday Tastings at Common Ground!
Saturday, December 6, 1-3 pm: Sparkling Cider Tasting
Saturday, December 13, 1-3 pm: Hot Cocoa Tasting
Saturday, December 20, 1-3 pm: Eggnog Tasting
All Saturday Tastings are free and do not require pre-registration! Stop by the Co-op anytime between 1 and 3 pm to sample some great holiday drinks!
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Common Ground Food Co-op
1 Lincoln Square Village
Urbana, IL 61801
Ph. (217) 352-3347
www.commonground.coop
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