Being a community-owned grocery store, the obvious answer is we truly wouldn't exist without you, our owners & non-owner shoppers. But what about beyond merely existing? The co-op isn't here just to exist. It's here to enrich the community & lives of those in it. 

For starters, each summer we host the Ice Cream Social, a benefit for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. With the help of the community, the co-op raises nearly $2,000 to aid in food accessibility in Champaign County. This, alongside our Round Up For Good program, is an example of how individual people can make a huge impact when we all work together.

Additionally, because of you all, the education programming at Common Ground is thriving. By attending co-op classes, you're not just learning useful culinary skills; you're financially supporting this program and allowing fellow community members to share their knowledge and passion through teaching.

This may all seem like an exaggeration. It may not seem like attending a class makes much of a difference. Or maybe that $.18 rounded up at the register doesn't sound like a real impact. It's astounding, though, what power there is in the collective. We as a co-op community are actually affecting change in local organizations, individual lives, and C-U as a whole. Each of your choices to attend just a single class here at Common Ground adds up to something.

So who are we without you? The more important question is who are we with you? We are a catalyst for change, a source of financial support to families in need, and an example of what an impact a community can make. Thank you for being a part of the co-op collective. I hope to see you all in one of our amazing classes in July!

Mia Hanneken

Education Coordinator

education@commonground.coop