Blog

By now you have likely heard the news that Common Ground's General Manager, Jacqueline Hannah, will be leaving to join the Food Cooperative Initiative in May as a consultant. I have conflicted feelings as I consider her departure. As a board member and owner I will sorely miss her passion, vision, leadership, and commitment to our organization. As a friend and colleague, however, I am extremely excited for her to share those same attributes with food co-op start-ups across the country; she is uniquely qualified to foster their success.

Q & A with Farm Manager, Lorien Carsey

What does your farm name mean to you? How did you choose this name?

February is usually a dynamic and busy time when it comes to politics, policy and legislation here in Springfield at the Capitol. 2015 will be no different and with a new Republican Governor taking the reins of state government riding a promise to "shake up Springfield" while Democrats still hold super-majorities in both the House and the Senate it might be even more of a dynamic year than usual.

Fellow Common Ground Owners,

We have some important news to share with you. Common Ground’s General Manager, Jacqueline Hannah, has accepted a position as a Co-op Development Specialist with the Food Co-op Initiative (http://www.foodcoopinitiative.coop/), a national organization that advises start-ups in the industry. She will remain at Common Ground until May, so we will have plenty of time to say proper goodbyes and celebrate her incredible contribution to our organization, as well as to plan for the transition in leadership.

Jacqueline Hannah, general manager of Common Ground Food Cooperative, Urbana, was presented with the 2014 Illinois Cooperative Council’s (ICC) Outstanding Cooperative Manager Award on Monday, January 13.

Most tap water in the US is provided by municipal water companies, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The source of municipal water for Champaign County and much of East Central Illinois is groundwater in the Mahomet Aquifer. It is then processed by American Water of Illinois, whose Champaign plant, built in 2009, is one of 2 LEED certified water treatment facilities in the nation. Using a series of filtration systems, minerals and other particles are removed.

This year we’d like to begin a conversation about water, the most essential substance for the maintenance of life on Earth. In upcoming posts, we’ll be presenting basic information on water options for home and garden use, filtration options, sustainability issues and environmental impact. The goal is to provide information on how all the specific topics fit together so you can make informed decisions about the choices we all make every day.

If color is the key to good nutrition, then we've got a rainbow of options for you. These salads are what we like to call "Powerhouse Salads" because they are literally packed full of nutrients. The best part is that they are ready and waiting everyday and can be found in our deli's grab & go case! 

A new year has arrived. We've had our share of heavy holiday meals. Light and green may be in the future. So here's to new, healthy beginnings with a top ten list of our favorite superfoods!

In January of 2013 (a year ago!) we brought Stone Soup back to the Co-op. We gathered monthly in the Flatlander Classroom to cook a meal for the TIMES Center. We had a great time with this program.