Food For Thought - November 2019
It's November...what better time to become an owner?
We are so close to our END OF YEAR GOAL OF 700 OWNERS! This is a wonderful gifting opportunity that a current owner could give this year.
Food co-ops are retail cooperatives that are owned by the people who shop there. This means that food co-ops are owned by members of the community – not outside investors.
Each member-owner has a say in decisions that affect the co-op; and instead of paying outside investors, co-ops return their profits to their member-owners in the form of patronage refunds – dividends, cash, discounts, or store credit.
Food co-ops source products from more local farmers and producers, donate proportionally more dollars to charity, have better worker wages and benefits, and give back more to the local economy than traditional grocery stores.
Watch the video on our vision here
It's easy! Click here to become an owner
_______________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer Opportunities
Woodstock Winter Market
The Winter Market runs on select Saturdays through April 2020. We have volunteer opportunities for December - April. Along with the usual offerings there are several artisans at each market.
We will need volunteers for December 7, January 18, February 15, March 21 and April 18. Each shift is 2.5 hours and will begin at 8:30 am.
The market is held in Building "D" at the McHenry County Fairgrounds.
For more information and registration, go to Winter market volunteer opportunities
_______________________________________________________________________
Eat for Good Potluck Dinner
November 22, 2019
Soulful Prairies Farm - 4706 Alden Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
Guest Speaker: Harold Wilken
Organic farmer and founder of The Mill at Janie's Farm in Ashkum, IL
The potluck is organized by Eat for Good, a grassroots network centered in McHenry County. We believe that by choosing to eat as locally and sustainably as possible, we can create a better future for our families, farms, communities and our world. To learn more about this event and Eat for Good, go to www.soulfulprairies.com or contact [email protected]
_________________________________________________________________________
Out and about in McHenry County
There is so much going on this month in our community! Whatever you like, there is something for everyone of all ages. Thank you, November, for reminding us to be grateful for everything that we have and thank you for being the best introduction to December.
Click on this November Calendar to local festivals and events you won't want to miss.
__________________________________________________________________________
Live your best life!
Cooperatively,
Your Food Shed Co-op Team
Food For Thought - October 2019
October is...
From crisp mornings to crunchy leaves, everything starts to change in October. We've been busy all summer with farmer's markets and festivals and now we start to think of bonfires and carving pumpkins. Fall means reminiscing of summer BBQs or looking ahead to upcoming holidays. However you step, glide or charge into this season, make it your best autumn ever!
We have a lot going on at the Food Shed Co-op and want to share with you. Volunteer opportunities, FREE (yes, FREE!) tickets to author Jon Steinman (see details below) to upcoming events that we are participating in. There's something for everyone and we hope you'll join us!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer Opportunities
Care4 5K Run/Walk | Sunday, October 20 | Woodstock North High School
Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? We are participating in the 2019 Care4 5K Run/Walk and have a couple volunteer opportunities - set up the night before and informational tabling the day of the race. This is a great cause and we promise you'll have fun! The energy is infectious and you are helping a great cause! For more information, go to: Care4 5K Run/Walk Volunteer
Green Living Expo | Saturday, November 2 | McHenry County College
Learn about the latest sustainable living; great ideas for energy saving; shop for "green" gifts and enjoy fun, interactive and educational exhibits!
We'll need a few volunteers to represent the Food Shed at our outreach table - if you can help out, go to: Green Living Expo Volunteer
Don't Miss This - October 16, 2019
We are so excited to have Jon Steinman coming to Woodstock - FREE Tickets Available!
Thanks to the generous donation of our Board of Directors, there are a limited number of tickets available to this exciting event. We don't want you to miss this opportunity to learn more from Jon Steinman and listen to his journey of supporting local communities and joining food cooperative movements. For FREE tickets, go to: Jon Steinman - Grocery Story Tickets
Jon Steinman
Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants
Food has become ground-zero in our efforts to increase awareness of how our choices impact the world. Yet while we have begun to transform our communities and dinner plates, the most authoritative strand of the food web has received surprisingly little attention: the grocery store—the epicenter of our food-gathering ritual.
Grocery Story is for everyone who eats. Whether you strive to eat more local and sustainable food, or are in support of community economic development, Grocery Story will leave you hungry to join the food co-op movement in your own community.
Copies of Steinman's book can be purchased at Read Between The Lynes and more information on the book tour can be found at: Jon Steinman - Grocery Story
Out and about in McHenry County
There is so much going on this month in our community! Whatever you like, there is something for everyone of all ages. Click on this October Calendar to local fall festivals and events you won't want to miss.
Live your best life!
Cooperatively,
Your Food Shed Co-op Team
Food for Thought - August 2019
Let's Start September with a Scavenger Hunt!
Next month marks the beginning of the 4th Annual September Eat Local Challenge and this year, The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is shaking things up with a month long photo scavenger hunt to connect you with local food and farms in your community. Plus you could win $200 to the 'Buy Fresh Buy Local' farm, farmers market, or farm-to-table restaurant of your choice!
To play simply download the Scavify App and join the hunt: Eat Local Challenge
_______________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer Opportunities
THANK YOU to everyone who has already volunteered; we couldn't do this without you! Time commitments are only 2-3 hours and the best part...it's FUN! Meet people, spread the word on Food Shed Co-op and our mission.
Algonquin Harvest Market | Saturday, September 21 | 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin, IL 60102
Local Food, Fun & Crafters! There will be a wide variety of vendors including farm fresh produce and crafts. Don't miss this event featuring entertainment and fun for the whole family.
We'll need a few volunteers to represent the Food Shed at our outreach table - if you can help out - RSVP/sign-up for a shift.
Woodstock Farmers Market | Woodstock Square | Third Saturdays
If you still want to be a part of the Woodstock Farmer's Market, we will be there again on September 21st and we will need volunteers. Come on out to the award-winning Woodstock Farmers Market in downtown Woodstock and enjoy live music and vendors offering quality produce, plants, local artisan foods, gifts and more!
If you can help out - RSVP/sign-up for a shift.
Don't Miss This - October 16, 2019
We are so excited to have Jon Steinman coming to Woodstock! Stay tuned for details about his book tour and signing.
Jon Steinman
Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants
Food has become ground-zero in our efforts to increase awareness of how our choices impact the world. Yet while we have begun to transform our communities and dinner plates, the most authoritative strand of the food web has received surprisingly little attention: the grocery store—the epicenter of our food-gathering ritual.
Grocery Story is for everyone who eats. Whether you strive to eat more local and sustainable food, or are in support of community economic development, Grocery Story will leave you hungry to join the food co-op movement in your own community.
Copies of Steinman's book can be purchased at Read Between The Lynes and more information on the book tour can be found at: Jon Steinman - Grocery Story
What Are You Waiting For?
Our annual owner meeting is coming up and you should be there!
There are many options for joining the Food Shed Co-op, including our monthly payment plan of $21/month for 10 months. For those who need a little extra help, you can apply for our Financial Assistance Fund.
So many reasons to join: Owner Discounts, Voting Rights, Patronage Dividends and more! Plus supporting local farmers and food artisans promotes more nutritious food choices and improves our local economy by giving back to our community!
Spread the word to your friends, neighbors and community! Be a part of something that is good for your family and community. All owners are encouraged to attend for the latest Food Shed updates.
__________________________________________________________________________
Did You Know...
The first Wednesday of each month is Green Drinks Wednesday?
Wednesday, September 4th - 10th Anniversary Program & Celebration
Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen - 110 N. Main Street - Crystal Lake
Join Jen Walling, Executive Director Illinois Environmental Council, as she reviews the significant environmental legislation that passed in 2019 and will give a sneak peek into what will happen in 2020
Jen started as executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) in January of 2011. In addition to managing the organization, Jen lobbies on behalf of IEC’s nearly 80 member organizations on a wide range of issues. Jen obtained her law degree and master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Law School in 2006, after gaining her undergraduate degree in NRES at the University of Illinois.
More information can be found at: Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Like us! Follow Us! Share on Social Media - We're Out There!
Did you know the Food Shed Co-op has a lot of followers! We like to post events, volunteers in action, new owners and some fun facts. Follow us and share:
- Facebook: 3200+ Likes & Followers
- Instagram: 760+ Followers
Live your best life!
Cooperatively,
Your Food Shed Co-op Team