600 in June! Plus a kayak!

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!

 

 

 

Member Spotlight: Henry Edsill

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

Board Happenings: May 2017

Take a minute to see what your Board has been up to.
– Farmer’s Market season is underway! Be sure to keep an eye out for the Co-op at both the Downtown Cedar Falls and College Hill Markets.
– Our Annual June Campaign is underway again! This year we’ll be giving away a kayak to either a new member or someone who gets a new member to join! Check out the article in this month’s newsletter for all the details.
– We’ll also be in this year’s Sturgis Falls parade along with Rooty! If you’re interested in participating, contact Melanie Drake at outreach@cedarfallsfood.coop.
– Yard signs are in the works! We have a sign up sheet for those interested in displaying the signs in their yards. If you’d like to be included, information is available on our website: https://rootedcarrot.coop/yard-sign-signup/.

Cedar Falls Food Co-op at the Farmers Markets

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

6 Advantages of Buying Your Food At Local Farmers Markets

15 Benefits of Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

Wheatsfield Co-op and Des Moines Farmers Market Field Trip

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:

  • 10:00 a.m. – noon: Des Moines Farmers Market
  • 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Tour and exploring/shopping at Wheatsfield Cooperative, Ames
  • 2:30 p.m. departure, return home around 4 p.m.

 

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!

Potluck Celebration

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.

16 Ways to Help the Co-op (without joining a committee)

Previously, I’ve written about common questions I hear from Co-op members. “Where will the Co-op be?” being the most asked. Another common question, though, shows just how excited the community is about this project.

And the community is excited. Did you know that the City of Cedar Falls has a new strategic plan? The plan, “Future Forward Cedar Falls 2025” outlines 15 goals for the next 8 years; #5 is: “A sustainable local foods co-op within Cedar Falls.” More community excitement? Yes: 48 businesses in Cedar Falls and Waterloo (and beyond!) have pledged their support by offering discounts and specials to the 535+ folks who have stepped up to investing in their community by becoming a member of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op.

Continue reading

Bring the Savings Home!

Our newest business partner brings things a little closer to home. Welcome Basket of Daisies, a shop offering home decorating expertise since 1979. Nestled in the heart of historic Main Street in Cedar Falls, shoppers can find sophisticated accessories and fine home furniture to upgrade their style. For those undertaking larger design projects, Basket of Daisies offers consultation services and design packages. A business specializing in home design wouldn’t be complete without offering artificial floral design services, provided by an in house florist. Basket of Daisies rounds out their offerings with wedding registries, donation services, and gift cards.

Cedar Falls Co-op member-owners will now receive 10% off their purchase! Visit Basket of Daisies to make your inspired ideas for your home a reality!

Find more details about Basket of Daisies and our other business partners on our website at  https://rootedcarrot.coop/business-partner-specials/.