Happy 2018! from your Outreach Coordinator

Time and Talent
When we open our doors we will employ many people; but to get to that stage, we rely on volunteers every step of the way. You may be aware of the earlier “working member” co-op model where member-owners provided volunteer hours to their co-op or, in some cases, were required to do so. This model is not used with new co-ops; instead we will hire employees who receive competitive wages and benefits. However, until we can start hiring, we rely mainly on volunteers. Now is the time volunteers are most needed to get our doors open. Our development efforts are sustained by enthusiastic volunteers who put in countless hours of time and talent. In 2017, dozens of individual volunteers gave more than 3000 hours of their combined time. They are the reason we are so far along in our growth – kudos to them! If you wish to join in volunteering this year, please contact me.

Continue reading→

From the President: Tom’s Annual Grab Bag Full of Year End Updates

The year is almost over, and that means it’s time for my annual grab bag column. Much like the lunches I just had over the recent holiday weekend, the assorted tidbits and details should make a full meal. Enjoy!

 

New Board Leadership

At the November meeting of your board of directors, we elected new officers and realigned some of our committee leadership. Here are the new or updated roles:

Tom Wickersham, President

Andrew Morse, Vice president

Jess Cruz, Secretary

Scott Wirtz, Treasurer

Brenna Griffin, Membership Chair

Jess Cruz, Communications Chair

Scott Wirtz, Finance Chair

Terry Stewart, Operations Chair

Andrew Morse, Capital Campaign Chair

Continue reading→

Members Add Value to Their Investment by Making Gifts of Membership to Others

Cindy and Russ Dodd felt so strongly about their investment soon after purchasing their own member share that they bought shares for their children. As Cindy puts it, “Purchasing Cedar Falls Food Co-op memberships was an opportunity to invest in Cedar Falls. Both of our children live here and enjoy healthy food. We believe in shopping locally and knew it would be fun for our families to be part of this business from the beginning and watch it progress. This is a gift that will give back for years.” And as is evident from this photo of the Dodd family, the impact of these share purchases extends beyond the member-owner to several other household members.

Of course, families are probably not the only ones on your holiday gift list this year.

Continue reading→

Holiday Online Store

We’ve opened up an online store just in time for the holidays!
If you love our Co-op shirts, you’re in luck! We’ve opened up an online store through Xpressions for a limited time to give our supporters a chance to own even more Cedar Falls Food Co-op swag. We have a wide variety of products, including items ideal for the cooler weather. Ordering is simple: place your order through the website below, complete your payment online, and you can pick up your items when they’re ready. The store will be open until December 13th and the items will be ready to be picked up before the holidays. Check it out today and get a jump start on your holiday shopping!

Board Happenings: November 2017

Take a minute to see what your board has been up to!
– This was the first meeting with our newest Board Members! Welcome aboard Andrew, Jackie, and Scott!
– With new board members, it means we have new officers elected. Our new officers are:
     – President: Tom Wickersham
     – Vice President: Andrew Morse
     – Secretary: Jess Cruz
     – Treasurer: Scott Wirtz
– The Board has moved its meeting time to the 3rd Wednesday of every month, at 7pm, at Millrace.
– We had two representatives from the Board attend the Strong and Small Conference in Minnesota this month, and they brought back a lot of great information for us to use.

New Business Partner: December 2017

Whether you’re looking for pain relief or to improve your overall health, our newest business partner can help. Align Chiropractic & Wellness in Cedar Falls is committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs. They can assist with back pain, neck pain, headaches or even muscular tightens and tension. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, Align offers rehabilitation, physical exams, nutritional counseling, and spinal and postural screenings.

Cedar Falls Coop members receive a free muscle stimulation on your initial visit.

Recipe: Crispy Baked Tacos with Seasoned Cauliflower

Okay, it’s that time of year, when busy comes in all shapes and sizes. Family gatherings, parties with friends and co-workers, school concerts and sports, holiday shopping, and baking. Suddenly, there is no time for a good family meal. Options are good! And remember, a good dinner can be quick and meatless, just be sure to include healthy ingredients that are full of flavor. Tacos are a good choice. They are versatile and easy to bring together in a jiffy. The filling ideas are endless, so get creative. This recipe hosts some delicious ingredients that are fresh and tasty. It’s good to follow the recipe the first time, then if you like it, you can make adjustments for the next time, if needed. These tacos are gluten free and vegetarian.

Recipe from: She Likes Food

Crispy Baked Tacos with Seasoned Cauliflower

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Yield: 10

Crispy baked tacos filled with a healthy and delicious seasoned cauliflower mix!

Continue reading→

Member Spotlight: Jed Vander Zanden

Jed Vander Zanden lives in the heart of Cedar Falls with his wife and five-year-old son. They have lived here for almost six years. Jed owns Sidecar Coffee Roasters in the Cedar Valley while his wife works at UNI as a professor.

Jed enjoys feeling connected to the community and feeling like he is one of the locals. They love the unique community vibe they get from shopping and eating locally. They are big supporters of both Single Speed Breweries and Basal/Cibo establishments. Local businesses supporting each other is great for the community.Continue reading→

New Business Partners: November 2017

Cory’s Painting offers interior and exterior painting and drywall repair in the Cedar Valley.  Based in Cedar Falls, our CFFC member owners can receive 5% off labor for painting and drywall repair. Check them out on Facebook here.

 

Located in Cedar Falls, Donna Heller Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes for all ages, from workshops, to small group classes and private instruction. Members receive 10% off an 8-week class. Check them out of Facebook here.

 

Based on Waterloo, Heart Rhythm Healing believes that the answers to healing your body, mind, soul & spirit lie inside your heart. They offer members their first 30-minute session free ($30 value), and all subsequent sessions are $5 off. Some of their upcoming events include Better Body Info Session from 7-8pm on Thu Nov 9th in the lounge at the Millrace Co-working Space, and A Group Meditation Class on Sat Nov 11th from 10-11a at Heart Rhythm Healing (528 Campbell Ave. Waterloo, IA). Check them out on Facebook here.

Changes on the Cedar Falls Food Co-op’s Board of Directors

Jacquelyn Berggren, Andrew Morse, and Scott Wirtz

At the 2017 Member-Owner Potluck & Meeting, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op wrapped up its elections for three seats on the Board of Directors. The three incoming members began their term immediately following the meeting on Oct. 24.

The nine-member Board leads the Co-op’s efforts to establish the community-owned grocery store in or near downtown Cedar Falls. With 31.1% of the membership voting, the results are as follows:

Andrew Morse           28.8%

Jacquelyn Berggren  25.9%

Scott Wirtz                 25.3%

Blake Conover           20.0%Continue reading→