Concern for community, cooperative principle 7, is something we live as a co-op daily. This is embodied through our numerous connections with local businesses. While we often tout the over 60 different businesses who are providing discounts to card-carrying Co-op member-owners, their support goes well beyond this perk. In my time with the Co-op, I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our local business community.
Whole Grain Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Now that the kids are back to school and summer is winding down, weekend family breakfast is an excellent way to spend some time together. Let the kids help make some pancakes, yeah! Kids and pancakes, now that’s fun and delicious.
Fresh blueberries are fabulous right now, and this recipe is delicious and nutritious. Blueberries are full of fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content. The cottage cheese in the recipe adds protein. Pick some up at Hansen’s Dairy, where you can also find fresh farm eggs, buttermilk, and maple syrup. You can also find eggs, maple syrup, and other great items at the Cedar Falls Farmers Markets.
Drive Home the Savings (and don’t forget the take-out)
Foodies rejoice! Join us in welcoming two new locally owned restaurants to our Business Partners. But that’s not all! Car aficionados will appreciate discounts at a local repair shop. Read on….
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Urban Pie yet, now’s your chance! Co-op member-owners will receive 15% off of their dine in order. Fresh to the downtown foodie scene (since February 2017) Urban Pie’s pizzas are a fresh take on an old staple. Urban Pie is a “fast casual, family-friendly restaurant. We create high quality Neapolitan-inspired pizza in an on-the-go setting. Eat in or take out, it’s all good with us.” They offer a fast-fired pizza, cooked in a high temperature open flame oven. Their menu includes several great pizza topping combinations, all fully customizable to your taste. Wings, breadsticks, and dessert pizza are also featured. If you’re thirsty, you may order any of eight beers on tap! Check them out here: http://www.urbanpiecf.com/ . Continue reading
From the Board President: Membership vs. Ownership – Even We Mix ‘Em Up
I’m a card-carrying member of an elite group, a membership-based organization that rarely makes national or local news. I joined in the late 1980’s, and I still proudly have the card. One thing that I’m proud of is that it’s so secret. In fact, it’s so obscure; I’ve never met another member. Yes, in full confession, I’m a member of the Oingo Boingo Secret Society.
Over the years, I’ve been a member of many other organizations – museums, gyms, even the PPFA. I’ve known others who are members of Boy Scouts, AARP, the Sierra Club, and the NRA, although probably not all at once. What organizations are you a member of?
Right now in my wallet, I have a membership card issued by the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. But is it really correct to call it a “membership?” The newer cards say “Member-Owner” on them. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?Continue reading
More Sweet Deals for Cedar Falls Food Co-op Member-Owners!
Chotto House is a membership based business, but their store, cafe, and classes are open to the public. They specialize in bubble teas, coffee, smoothies, crepes, pastries, and classes! What kind of classes do they offer, you ask? So far, they have taught a cake decorating class, with more to come including lessons on Thai cuisine and kid’s activities! If you’re in the mood for shopping, Chotto House can help you there as well, as they offer items that would make a perfect gift. Chotto House knows the value of supporting local businesses, so they signed up right away to be a business partner! Co-op member-owners can become automatic members (show your Co-op membership card) of Chotto House and receive one free class per month, plus one free bubble tea, smoothie, or crepe per month. Also, if you bring a friend, they will receive 1/3 off the price of a class! Sweet deal, right! Check them out on Facebook and online: https://www.chottohouse.com/about.
Don’t forget to take advantage of all the co-op member discounts you are eligible for. Check on who all our business partners are here: https://rootedcarrot.coop/business-partner-specials/. The savings really add up!
Member Spotlight: Betsy Brandt
Betsy Brandt and her husband Lynn have lived in Cedar Falls for 35 years. They have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Betsy is a retired teacher.
She enjoys living in Cedar Falls because it is a small enough community to feel a part of things and big enough including Waterloo and UNI that there are always interesting things to see and do. Betsy is very fond of the library and The World’s Window. She also loves Stam, the chocolate shop, Cottonwood Canyon, and the Kitchen Essentials store.
Betsy is looking forward to having the Co-op in the downtown area so that she can walk there and get good fresh vegetables. She would also be interested in any classes on nutrition and food preparation at the Co-op. She likes the idea of a deli in the store and having another gathering place down town.
Betsy likes to read, write, garden, travel, and be out in nature. She volunteers at the Book Nook, Arboretum, and The World’s window.
Betsy says it’s hard to say what her favorite foods are because she loves lots of different things like fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Her favorite things lately are asparagus, hummus, and avocados. She likes trying foods from various ethnicities, especially Mexican and Indian.
Her favorite season is summer with late spring as a close second.
Betsy is thankful that the Co-op works to help members get to know one another. She says that is another attraction to being a part of the Co-op!
Recipe: One Pot Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice
One pot meals are an easy way to get a nutritious meal on the table. Chicken thighs are super tasty and economical. The seasonings in this recipe really absorb into the chicken and the rice making this dish burst with flavor. This recipe uses fresh squeezed lemons, which are great for good gut health too. Add a green cruciferous summer vegetable like some fresh broccoli from the Farmers Market and you’ll be ready to eat in about an hour.Continue reading
2017 Board Elections
This fall, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be conducting its annual elections for the Board of Directors. Before that gets underway, though, there’s still an opportunity for you to run for the Board.
The Co-op is currently accepting applications for members interested in serving on the Board. Details about running for the Board are on the Co-op’s website. There you’ll find an application and other important details, including a comprehensive FAQ. Mailed applications should be postmarked by Thursday, September 7, and emailed applications should be sent by midnight on Saturday, September 9.
Octopus Event
Join us in August for a Cedar Falls Food Co-op Celebration! We are thrilled to have more than 600 member-owners, which is cause for celebration for sure. In addition, we are on our way toward 700, and if we get there by August 27, we’ll have some surprises for you at this event. Octopus College Hill is partnering with us to host a Co-op celebration, Sunday, August 27 from 5 – 8 p.m. All are welcome – there will be food, drink, music, conversation and much more. We hope you will stop by to connect with other Co-op supporters, learn more about where we’ve come and where we are headed, and to just relax and have a good time! Not a member-owner yet? No problem – we are happy to host you and answer any questions you have.
August Outreach Coordinator Update
The room was charged with positive energy at last month’s membership and communications joint committee meeting. We were excited to discuss the amazing membership growth we experienced in the month of June – our biggest month yet with 78 new member-owners! In July, new member-owners continued to join at a rapid pace, and I am thrilled to see the Co-op turn this important corner in its development!