In this month's newsletter:
- Letter from the General Manager
- Urbana's Market at the Square
- Refer an Owner
- Boneyard Arts Festival
- Indian Cooking Class & Meal Kit
- Shop Online
- CSAs roots in Black History
- Springtime flavors from our kitchen
- Blogs
- New Items
|
|
by Gary Taylor
"As others rush to return to "normal" we must recognize that the dangers of this pandemic still exist. As a deeply embedded member of this community, Common Ground has a duty to keep our shoppers and our staff as safe as we possibly can. At the Financial Meeting of Owners, I informed our owners that we have had a total of 5 staff members contract the virus; none of them got it from anyone at Common Ground nor was it passed from them to any other staff at Common Ground. This shows that our policies of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and sanitation have been effective thus far. We have achieved as safe of an environment as possible to work and shop in."
|
|
Indian Cooking Class & Meal Kit |
|
Common Ground's Cooking Classes are back with a Meal Kit! Learn to cook a complete Indian meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Pre-order a meal kit that includes all the ingredients to make Paneer Makhani, Red Lentil Dal with Greens, Basmati Rice, and Tandoori Naan and attend our live Zoom class taught by Co-op instructor, Sirisha on Sunday, June 20 4-5:30pm. |
|
REFER AN OWNER & YOU BOTH GET $10 |
|
Help us broaden our amazing Co-op community to include more of your friends, family, and neighbors! Encourage them to become Co-op owners with our new Owner Referral & Rewards Program. Refer a new owner and you both receive $10 in Radish Rewards to be redeemed on in-store purchases. In order to receive the reward incentive, the new owner must pay their $60 equity payment in full and we will contact you when your rewards have been placed on your owner account.
Anyone can sign up to be an owner online or at the registers. For more information about Co-op, ownership visit our Ownership page.
|
|
Come join our team and apply for our available full-time and part-time positions! |
|
In order to assess the current and future interest in our Curbside Pickup service, we invite you to take a quick survey regarding your experience with Curbside.
At the end of the survey, you will receive a link for a $2 off coupon to use during your next shopping trip!
|
|
URBANA MARKET AT THE SQUARE HAS RETURNED |
|
Skip the line and shop at the Co-op Shop! Order your groceries from home and pick them up curbside. You can find more than 3,000+ Co-op products on the Co-op Shop!
|
|
BLACK FARMERS & THE HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) |
|
Ever wonder where CSAs stem from?
"Black farmers were routinely denied loans and grants by the federal government, costing them land, money, and agency. As a way to help them keep their land while also supporting their local Black communities, Whatley advocated for pick-your-own farms and what he called clientele membership clubs, which entailed customers paying up-front for a season of food as a way of guaranteeing business. 'The clientele membership club is the lifeblood of the whole setup. It enables the farmer to plan production, anticipate demand, and, of course, have a guaranteed market...'”
|
|
HEAR FROM LISA: OUR BEER & WINE SPECIALIST |
|
Spring has definitely sprung! And as is true to the Midwest, it’s already hot and that means rosés and patio pounders are in full swing. Here at the Co-op, we have several selections with more coming in throughout the spring & summer. A few of note are:
A to Z Rose, Oregon: 100% Sangiovese
Enticing flavors that hint of strawberries and cream, lemon curd, raspberry coulis and peach chutney. A perceptible minerality and restrained but juicy acidity lend backbone to present a supple, balanced structure.
Chateau Montaud Rose, Cotes du Provence, France: 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Tibouren
A classic Cotes de Provence rosé! Dry, crisp and refreshing, full of fruit and ideal for anytime. Traditional growing methods are given priority and include ploughing to ventilate the soil and using organic farming rather than chemicals and artificial processes.
Klinker Brick “Bricks & Roses” Rose: 40% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah & 18% Carignane
Mouthwatering notes of white peach and strawberry lead into a crisp and refreshing texture that integrates subtle acidity with a balanced, slightly generous mid-palate. True to the Klinker Brick style, this wine retains an exceptional balance of freshness and aromatics, while still providing the dry finish that makes it a perfect pairing for Tuna Nicoise, Grilled Chicken, or Mixed Greens with Feta Cheese.
|
|
Domaine des Tilleuls Cabernet Franc “Le Bel Ouvrage: 100% Cab Franc $12.99
This is one of my favorite varietals and this dreamy selection did not disappoint! It was Here is my personal tasting note: Brilliant, lively acidity start to finish. Leather, tobacco, dark bramble fruit with the slightest hint of eucalyptus. The finish is long and sturdy. I paired it with a traditional BLT with avocado & fresh Basil leaves on toasted sourdough. Mesquite BBQ kettle chips on the side…weeknight dinner perfection!
Le Clos Sainte Eugenie Rouge 2016: 45% Merlot 30% Syrah 25% Cabernet Sauvignon $10.99
This is my pick for summer grilling! This blend is complex and screams “Grill me a steak!” Red and black fruits. Soft in the mouth with fresh, tangy acidity. Wonderful balance. Well-structured yet elegant, with fine tannins. Subtle nuances of toast, vanilla and roasted coffee beans. Multiple layers of flavor. Striking silkiness. Truly sensual.
If you are in the wine department, you will notice some folders tucked in the shelves. These contain winemaker notes with tasting profiles and other pertinent information. In case I’m not there to answer a question, this is your Go-To for wine information!
|
|
SPRING TIME FLAVORS FROM OUR KITCHEN HEADED YOUR WAY |
|
Lemon Basil Pasta Vegan & $8.99/lb.
|
|
Housemade Gazpacho $4.99 for a large bowl and $7.99 for a quart.
|
|
Huan's Shrimp Wontons in ChiRecipe |
|
"When it’s raining and cold outside, digging into a steaming bowl of wonton soups is a surefire way to warm the soul and lift the spirit. Wontons are one of my favorite foods in the world and that love was cultivated at a young age thanks to my grandparents. Growing in Sichuan, China, I spent all my school breaks with my grandparents who opened a dumpling business in their retirement."
|
|
Produce season is upon us and we've got some delicious fresh veggies for you. |
|
Check out all the new Ice Creams coming to our Frozen Section!
Ben & Jerrys:
Netflix & Chilled Ice Cream 16oz
Cherry Garcia Ice Cream 16 Oz
Phish Food Ice Cream 16 Oz
Half Baked Ice Cream 16 Oz
American Dream Ice Cream 16 Oz
The Tonight Dough Ice Cream 16oz
Cherry Garcia Non-Dairy 16oz
So Delicious
Cash Bar Double Chocolate 2.3 Oz (4 Pk)
Salted Caramel Frozen Bars 2.3oz (4pk)
Vanilla Coconut Minis 2.3oz (8pk)
Coconut Almond Minis 9.2 Oz
Coconut Milk Minis 18.4 Oz
|
|
|
|
Honey Daze Latte
A macchiato-style latte with two shots of espresso, Sasse's honey, our own vanilla syrup, and a choice of milk. $4.50 for a 12 oz., $5.00 for a 16 oz.
|
|
Turkey & Pesto
Smoked Turkey, with swiss cheese, housemade arugula pesto, caramelized onions, spinach & your choice of bread!
|
|
|
June Round Up for Good: Eastern Illinois Foodbank
|
|
We are featuring Eastern Illinois Foodbank as our recipient for June’s Round Up for Good! Funds from the Round Up for Good Grant will be used for their general operating expenses.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank serves 18 Illinois counties and is the primary food source for 160 regional agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed the hungry. According to EIF, “More than 97,000 people in eastern Illinois who struggle with hunger” and one in four are children. With the increase of need due to COVID, Eastern Illinois Foodbank has been working even harder to feed our neighbors. Remember to round up your spare change at the register to help us raising as much money for EIF this month!
|
|
Update on the Plant Sale and Food For All |
|
A huge thanks to all those who supported our Food For All program by purchasing garden seedlings during our Plant Sale Fundraiser and rounding up at the registers during May! Together, we were able to raise over $7,500 for Food For All!
Did you know that anyone can apply to be a Food For All member? Just email us to apply! Our Food For All program provides free ownership to those that cannot afford it and offers a 10% discount on our produce and Co+op Basics. Last year, we provided 74 people with Co-op ownership and offered more than $11,000 in store discounts to ensure that everyone has access to healthy foods. Over the years, Food For All has provided a large range of free educational programing including school lessons for kids and cooking classes and seminars for adults. Our food access program makes a big difference in the lives of our neighbors and we are grateful for all you have done to help us provide
|
|
|
|
with a purchase of $15 or more
Show this coupon at the registers. Cannot be reused or used for sale items, Co+op Basics, or alcohol.
Valid during the month of June.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
