general information posts
The number of founding members keeps growing, propelling the Cedar Falls Food Co-op closer to opening its doors. Remember, the sooner we get 1,000 members, the sooner we can have an actual store to shop. We know the interest is out there and that the Food Co-op will soon be open. The board of directors is committed to getting us to our goal as quickly as possible, so they’re offering a fun incentive to all new members who join in June…
It’s time to grab the sunscreen and bug spray! Here are some safety tips to make sure nothing stops you from enjoying your summer to the fullest.
This month’s local business partners have stepped up to offer some hot, sweet & awesome deals to newly joining members of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to join, the time is now.
May is the month where spring seems to finally have a strong grasp on the weather and nature is confident enough to start growing in earnest. May is also National Bike Month, an initiative created by the League of American Cyclists in 1956, to encourage people to get back on their bikes. National Bike Month events happen all across the country, providing educational and recreational opportunities to help people choose bicycling as a hobby and as a mode of transportation. Two events in particular occur simultaneously across the nation; Bike to Work Week, held on May 11-15, and National Bike to Work Day, on May 15.
Yes, of course we may and we ARE! Just like every month, it’s a fabulous month to be a Cedar Falls Food Co-op member!
During the month of May member-owners who show their co-op membership card will receive 10% off an order plus a free small cup of coffee at Cottonwood Canyon Coffee located at 218 E 4th St in Waterloo. So generous & we’re feeling the love this spring!
The season for farmers markets has finally arrived! Whether you’re looking for locally grown organic produce or handmade goods, farmers markets are an excellent place to reconnect with your community. Besides providing a direct market for local producers farmers markets have a positive impact on the local economy, with a study conducted by Iowa State University for the Iowa Farmers’ Market Association in 2003 finding that farmers markets contributed up to $20 million in sales and another $12 million in direct and indirect economic activity (such as tourism). Farmers markets also reduce the environmental impact of food buying by reducing transportation costs and encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices. Be sure to visit one of our many local markets this season to show your support and see what your community has to offer!
When farmers, producers, and artisans are able to sell their goods locally there is not much of a carbon footprint to be left behind.
Food co-ops work with local growers and business to provide a place to sell their goods. This keeps transportation and fuel use down, and provides the freshest possible produce to customers. It also keeps dollars local.
Imagine getting you’re fresh tomatoes from a few miles away rather than flown, trucked, railed, and or shipped all the way from Mexico!
The best part is things taste better when they’re not shipped half way around the world.
Buy local!
Spring has finally sprung and Earth Day is an excellent time to celebrate! Here are a list of some events in the Cedar Valley where you can learn about sustainability and learn how to give back to the Earth.
March 20th is the first day of spring. With dreams of our summer gardens sustaining us through the last of the winter, it is time to start planning! Last year’s seed packets need to be assessed to determine if they are too old to be viable and if more need to be purchased. Now is also a good time to decide if some of last year’s varieties performed well in your garden environment. When you are ready to purchase new seeds, there are a number of sources to choose from that offer organic and heirloom varieties. Choosing organic and/or heirloom seeds helps to preserve diversity in food crops, support seed saving efforts, and keeps potential GMO and chemical hazards out of our gardens. Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah is a local source offering organic and heirloom seeds. They also sell seedlings for those who prefer to start their garden with young plants. Seeds of Change is another company that offers organic and heirloom varieties. Both companies focus on sustainability and the preservation of seed diversity.
What Does it Mean to Become a Founding Member?
The Cedar Falls Food Co-op is a member owned, member controlled business that operates for the mutual benefit of all its members according to a set of established principles. It’s a unique business model — not a typical for-profit business, nor a nonprofit, but a collective of member-owners who have a say in how the business is run.