Blog

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

We came up with the name Queen Anne's Lace as we love the wildflower that blooms abundantly along the fence lines and open fields here in Illinois.  It’s sort of a “bloom where you’re planted” reminder for us.  When we grew and sold flower bouquets they were the signature of each posy. Our natural and organic body care line is also rich in wild crafted botanicals, herbs and essential oils and so the name continues...

Here at Common Ground we love making things from scratch.

Our motto is if it can be made from local, organic, fair trade ingredients, we're in! That's why right now our deli counter is serving a rich and creamy housemade, from-scratch hot chocolate. With  chocolate syrup made right here at the co-op, local Kilgus milk or milk alternative and your choice of housemade whipped cream you'll be gushing over this wintertime delight. Winter wouldn’t be the same without it! 

Common Ground's Sustainability Committee has been very busy this past year. Since January, we've been tracking and reporting metrics to the National Cooperative Grocer's Co+Efficient program to see what our environmental impact performance actually is, and how it compares with similar sized co-ops across the country.

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

Our name means heritage, we are a fifth generation farm and having our family name representing our cheese proves our passion for a quality product.

Where is your farm located? How many miles do you travel to reach Common Ground? We are located in Fithian, Illinois about 22 miles East of Common Ground.

What do you produce/grow/raise? What is your signature product?

As a member of Common Ground’s Sustainability Committee, I recently attended a workshop and conversation at the University of Illinois hosted by The Institute for Sustainability, Energy & the Environment (iSEE). As a committee, we are very interested in exploring ways that Common Ground can extend efforts toward our 4th End: Our local food system is equitable, robust, and environmentally sound.

We love warming foods during the colder months when the weather gradually becomes cooler. Here is a great recipe for Common Ground Chili using Triple S Farms ground beef and avocado. Click here for a printable version. 

October is National Co-op month, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the history of your food Co-op. We have strong roots in this community and continue to use those roots as a foundation to meet our Ends and uphold the seven guiding cooperative principles.

We take pride in open lines of communication with our owners and customers. Here is what you had to say for the month of July!

We take pride in open lines of communication with our owners and customers. Here is what you had to say for the month of June!

What do you grow? What is your signature product?

I sell primarily apples, pears, concord grapes and plan to sell asparagus, blackberries, and raspberries as they come to maturity.

Where is your farm located? How many miles do you travel to reach Common Ground?

I live about 20 miles NW of Champaign.

For how long have you been farming?