What’s in a number? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Especially in the on-going effort to raise enough members to help open the doors for a community-owned grocery store.
When the Cedar Falls Food Co-op incorporated in the fall of 2014, the goal was to get 1,000 individuals to each become a founding member. The sooner we got 1,000 members, the sooner we’d have a grocery store.Continue reading
Six years ago, when my wife and I were considering a move to Cedar Falls, we met with a group of residents, and, over lunch, listened to them explain what they liked and didn’t like about living in this part of Iowa. “What’s one of the best things about living in Cedar Falls?” we asked. Do you know what they all agreed on? It was the municipally-owned Cedar Falls Utilities. They said that with the local control, there’s better service and better prices.Continue reading
June is the perfect time to join the Cedar Falls Food Co-op as a member owner. This month we are featuring six new business partners! Read on to learn about new ways to save!
The warming days of spring and a summer soon approaching have us reaching for a cold one at Lark Brewery of Waterloo. Find them on the lower level, beneath Beck’s Grill. Boasting forty-one different beers, there’s sure to be something for everyone! You can also find them on the Untapped app, a social media and beer rating app for beer enthusiasts. Lark Brewery is offering Co-op member owners 20% off all beers on the menu! Cheers!Continue reading
In May, Co-op member-owners and friends had chance to gather together for two fantastic events.
On Saturday, May 20, a group of Co-op friends carpooled to Des Moines and Ames for a day of fresh food and learning. They spent the morning at the downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, something everyone should experience. With around 300 vendors, this market spans four blocks of Court Street plus three side streets from 2nd to 4th. Live music greets visitors as all of their senses come alive through delicious smells of prepared food, colorful arrays of produce, and tasty samples of cheeses, breads and other goodies. Our co-op tour group took advantage of the offerings even happening upon a business partner’s booth, Laughing Tree Tea. Members of the tour purchased a variety of products, ate great food and even did a little dancing!
June is here and your Cedar Falls Food Co-op is doing another amazing membership campaign – this time current and new members could walk…errr…paddle away in a kayak!
We are on our way to 600 member-owners which will bring us closer to our capital campaign and site selection (see our new timeline for more details). We need you to help us get there.
Already a member? Talk to an acquaintance who has not joined – if you can commit to getting one new member-owner this month, you’ll help us easily reach our 600 goal. Be sure they indicate on their application that they heard of the co-op from you so you can be entered into our drawing (see below).
Not yet a member-owner? Why wait? With a one-time member share purchase of $200, you will be able to vote and have a say in what the co-op will look like. Your membership will quickly pay for itself and then some as you take advantage of our member-owner discounts at more than 50 area business partners! And you’ll also be entered into our drawing…
Thanks to Crawdaddy Outdoors in Waverly, we got a great deal on a Heron 9XT kayak that some lucky member-owner will win! To be eligible, join as a member-owner any day in June (2017) or if you are already a member-owner, be sure that the person you encourage to join adds your name to the application indicating how they learned about the co-op. Both new members and referrers who are members already will be entered into the kayak drawing (board members are not eligible).
Don’t miss this chance to beat the summer heat by heading out on the cool waters in a kayak and help spread the word about joining in June. The reward is gaining a full-service cooperative grocery store in Cedar Falls – and perhaps a new kayak too!
Henry Edsill and his wife Norma have been Iowa residents all of their lives. Henry was born and raised in Waterloo; Norma was born in Cedar Rapids and grew up in Bettendorf. In addition, they’ve lived and worked in Des Moines, Aplington, Mason City and Iowa City/Coralville. They moved back to Cedar Falls in 2005-06 where they’ve settled into their present home. Norma, who has a Masters in Library Science, recently retired while Henry is currently working as a lawyer, concentrating on wills, trusts, estate planning, administration and taxes. They have two children, Heidi and Sam, both of whom are in their 30’s and live out-of-state. Continue reading
Are you excited for the farmers markets to start up again? We sure are! Here are the dates that we are scheduled to host a booth at the Cedar Falls markets this year. We may add additional dates, so be sure to like us on Facebook for all the latest updates!
Cedar Falls Downtown Farmers Market
Location: Overman Park, Cedar Falls
Time: Saturdays, 8:30-Noon
We will be there on:
5/13/17
5/27/17
6/10/17
7/8/17
8/12/17
9/9/17
College Hill Farmers Market
Location: College Hill – lot next to Octopus
Time: Thursdays, 4-6pm
You can find us there on:
6/15/17
7/13/17
8/17/17
9/14/17
10/12/17
Check out these resources about farmers markets! Share the local food movement love!
10 Reasons to Shop At Farmers Markets
The Ames community cooperative grocery, Wheatsfield has recently joined on as a business partner, offering the same discounts to Cedar Falls Food Co-op member-owners that they give to their members! Join us on a field trip to tour their recently renovated store as well as spend some time in Des Moines at the amazing downtown farmers market.
Photo from CFFC field trip to New Pioneer Food Co-op
Saturday, May20, 8:00 a.m. – around 4:00 p.m.
Schedule:
If you plan to attend, you must RSVP for this event by May 17 in order for us to determine transportation and number of tour groups for Wheatsfield. RSVP to outreach@cedarfallsfood.coop or 319-830-3398. Please provide your name, contact information and how many will attend. If we do not have enough attending, we may end up canceling the trip, so let us know if you plan to join us. Thank you!
Do you have a new recipe you want to try or favorite recipe to share? Come join the Co-op for a potluck to celebrate member-owners who are investing in their co-op. Members, bring friends – everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event. Join us over good food and connect with fellow co-op supporters.
Tuesday, May 23 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Seerley Park Shelter (on Tremont Street, Cedar Falls)
Join us rain or shine – the rain location will be next to the park.
Bring a dish to share and your own beverage. We will provide water. In honor of the environment, please also bring your own tableware (plate, cup, silverware). We will have napkins. Questions? Contact our outreach coordinator at outreach@cedarfallsfood.coop.