Become a member and bike away!

New Poster Draft 2 copyCo-op members from last year might remember our awesome member drive where we worked hard to gain 30 new members in the month of June, which included a bike giveaway sponsored by Bike Tech. That campaign was such a success, and we had such a great time, that we’ve decided to do it again! All NEW members who join the Co-op in the month of June will be entered into a drawing to win a women’s Electra Cruiser, courtesy of Bike Tech. This applies to all new applicants, so those choosing to join by the payment plan will be included in the drawing. The winner will be announced in early July.

We have a number of great advertisements planned for this, with the help of some of our amazing members. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and share our posts to help get the word out about this awesome giveaway. If you have friends and family who have been considering joining, let them know that this is the month to do it! Every person we each tell about the co-op is one step closer to making our dream a reality. Help make June our Best Month Ever and join today!

From the Board President: Food Co-ops Everywhere!

Did you know that the Cedar Falls Food Co-op is one of about 140 start-up food co-ops across the country? Our effort to establish a community-owned grocery store in Cedar Falls is part of a huge momentum across the U.S. to take control of our food and make our communities healthier, more vibrant places to live. Let’s meet some of my favorite co-ops around the country and see where they are in their development. For context, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op is currently at 350 members, incorporated in the fall of 2014, and is planning on opening a 10,000-14,000 sq ft store.

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Our Business Partner Program Keeps Flowering

The month of May ushers in two more business partners committed to helping our community stay healthy & strong!

 

NRGpilatesNRG Pilates is committed to teaching you how to intelligently use, develop & refine the greatest machine ever created…your body. They train the body as a whole. That way, there are no imbalances and all muscles are strengthened as the body works harmoniously together.

 

Whether you’re a member of the co-op or not, your first class is free!! However, once you’ve experienced how effective & powerful you feel after completing a Pilates, Kettlebells, Suspension or Bodyweight training session, you’ll want to go to more classes. As a co-op member, NRG Pilates is offering 10% off of a 12-visit studio pass. Train hard. Save money. Beauty & brains is a great combo, folks!!

AgapeTherapyAgape Therapy’s vision is to create, shape, and progress towards a clinic that inspires total health in each individual that walks through the door.  They want to preserve local business because it is that relationship with the community that sets us above the rest. It allows us a closer look at what the need is for people’s health right here where we are.

 

The Cedar Falls Food Co-op could not agree more & we are honored that Agape has caught the vision of how the co-op will integrate with & benefit their clientele by offering healthier, local food options. Until our store opens & we all get to go shopping, Agape has generously offered our membership 10% off of each 60-minute massage you schedule. Yes, co-op membership already has its benefits. Now, go relax & save.

 

Food Deserts

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Food deserts are described as geographic areas where residents have limited or nonexistent access to affordable, healthy food options within a convenient traveling distance. It is estimated that roughly 2% of American households live more than one mile from a grocery store and do not own a car*. Food deserts are typically found in communities that are low-income and have a large minority population. What typically occurs in these areas is that the lack of access to fresh foods leaves people to resort to fast food chains or highly processed food that are available at convenience stores. As a result, people living in food deserts are found to not consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and protein to have a nutritionally sound diet.

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Business Partner Spotlight: Balance Hot Yoga & Montage

balanceBalance is a Hot Yoga Studio located on the hill in Cedar Falls.  Their goal is to present a new dimension to yoga in a positive environment for all experience levels.  They offer classes daily, including weekends, and have a wide variety of pricing options such as class packages, monthly unlimited usage, per class drop-in and annual membership.  They are also currently running a special where if you refer a friend then the both of you will receive your first month free. In addition, with your Cedar Falls Food Co-op membership you’ll get 10% off a monthly unlimited auto-pay plan. 

With the availability of classes and flexibility of pricing, Balance is a viable option for those looking to achieve balance and harmony for both body and mind.

MontageLocated in the heart of downtown Cedar Falls, the Montage restaurant has it all.  An extensive wine list, an eclectic atmosphere featuring artwork by local artists, an upstairs martini bar, a rooftop patio and of course, an incredible menu.

The menu features a variety of appetizers, dinners and desserts that include vegetarian as well as gluten- free options.  Of particular interest, is their current seasonal specials:  Roasted Rosemary Cashew Pasta and Hot Buttered Rum Cheesecake.  So, be sure to try these before they’re gone!

Montage also has two rooms available to accommodate large parties and they also provide catering.  Keep this in mind when planning for your next family or corporate event.

Locally owned and operated since 1999, Montage is a favorite downtown destination.  Take advantage of 10% off your meal with your Cedar Falls Food Co-op membership and make your reservation today!

From the Board President: The Top 6 Myths About the Food Co-op

Since the first community meeting in September 2012, those of us behind the efforts to open the doors of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op have had to explain our vision. In addition, we’ve educated many people about what a co-op is. Along the way, however, we’ve discovered the need to correct a number of myths about co-ops in general and the Cedar Falls Food Co-op in particular. Here is my list of the top 6 myths about the Cedar Falls Food Co-op:

 

Myth #1: The Co-op will be a “buying club,” an indoor farmers market, or a small Roots-type market

FACT

Roots Market, which closed in 2012, was 4,000 sq ft in total size. The Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be 2.5 to 3 times that size. It will be a full-service grocery, meaning shoppers will be able to buy produce, boxed good, canned goods, frozen foods, dairy, meats, beer and wine, health and beauty products, pet food, seasonal products and more. Yes, you’ll be able to pick up some produce grown by local farmers and some coffee, toilet paper, and whatever else is on your grocery list. With a full deli and a “grab and go” cooler, the Co-op will be your one-stop shop.

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Business Partner Spotlight: The Runner’s Flat & Moo Roo

RunnersFlatSpring has sprung! It’s time to put away the winter boots and run (don’t walk) to The Runner’s Flat in downtown Cedar Falls. In addition to having a wide variety of shoes and accessories, their expert staff will take the time to find what is right just for you. They are also committed to building a community of runners through their run clubs, community events, shoe and gear reviews as well as their What’s Up Wednesday weekly talk show.
The Runner’s Flat is the Cedar Valley’s only specialty running store that is also locally owned and we are proud to have them as a business partner. Take advantage of your Cedar Falls Food Co-op membership by saving $10 off of a purchase of $100 or more at the best place to run into!

 

HansensDairyUpdatedMoo Roo Ice Cream Parlor and Dairy Store in Waterloo is a retail store for Hansen’s Dairy.  The items you can find for sale there are Hansen’s milk, cheese, butter and of course ice cream!  This store has the old-fashioned hard dip as well as soft serve ice cream and a variety of treats such as sundaes, shakes, ice cream cakes and the Polar Vortex – a mix of soft serve with candies.  In addition, Moo Roo sells high quality food items including meats, bread and produce from local farmers.  

Moo Roo also has seating for about 40 people, so it’s a great location for parties or meetings.  While you’re inside be sure to check out the mural that depicts a dairy farm through the four seasons.  

Moo Roo is a great supporter of our local farmers and entrepreneurs and we’re proud to have them as a business partner. Keep in mind that with your Cedar Falls Food Co-op membership you’ll receive an additional 5% off of milk.  

Members Make It Happen!

As the Cedar Falls Food Co-op’s membership continues to rise, more and more members are stepping up to help the Co-op grow. They’ve made the commitment by purchasing a share in the Food Co-op and now they want to have the store open as soon as possible. They know that the sooner we get 1,000 members, the sooner we can open. They are taking the concept of ownership to heart and are encouraging other members to join. Cedar Falls teacher and Food Co-op member Donna Mallin is among those who utilized one of the most effective tools to recruit new members: house parties.

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What is Natural Grocers and How or Will it Impact the Cedar Falls Food Co-op?

As was reported in the Courier (3/13/16), the national chain, Natural Grocers, is in the process of opening a store in Cedar Falls at University and Rownd. Earlier, representatives of Natural Grocers reached out to the Cedar Falls Food Co-op to explore the possibilities of collaboration and to share details of their plans. They noted that the Cedar Falls location would be one of four locations they are planning on opening in Iowa this year. (The first one has already opened in the greater Des Moines area.)

Rightfully so, Co-op member-owners want to know if this project will impact the efforts of the Co-op to open and to be successful after opening. The Co-op Board wishes to assure the member-owners and future member-owners that the addition of Natural Grocers to the area will be a positive influence on both the local food landscape, as well as the Co-op’s efforts to open its doors. Consider the following:

  • We acknowledge that Natural Grocers would be deemed a competitor, but the store demonstrates a growing interest in organic and natural food. Having more options for healthy, organic food in the area is a good thing for the residents of the greater Cedar Valley, and will help in our overall efforts to educate shoppers on the value of organic.
  • A recent market analysis conducted on behalf of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op showed sales forecast for the Co-op as being “above average.” In fact, the projections were just a few points shy of the “best” rating levels. This finding took into account having Natural Grocers as part of the competition in the area.
  • Natural Grocers will be a very different model than the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. For starters, their stores are heavy on vitamins and supplements. Additionally, these stores don’t have delis. The Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be a full-service grocery store that includes a deli for fresh, healthy prepared foods.
  • The Cedar Falls Food Co-op will have a strong commitment to the local economy. In addition to its commitment to carry food and products from local growers and producers, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be owned by the community and run by a community-elected Board of Directors. Natural Grocers is a Colorado-based corporation. A greater percentage of the money spent at the Co-op will remain locally.
  • Lastly, Co-ops are popping up across the U.S. in part because co-ops emphasize community as part of their business model. The efforts to open a co-op in Cedar Falls are driven not just by having the right products on the shelves, but by having a community-centric business that can serve as a meeting and education place, that can instill a sense of pride in the community, and that can serve as hub for community building.

 

The Cedar Falls Food Co-op is still committed to being in or near downtown Cedar Falls, and we will continue our dialog with representatives of Natural Grocers to explore possible partnership opportunities in the future. Rather than thinking of them as a competitor, we can think of them as a potential partner in making the greater Cedar Valley a better, healthier place to live and work.