Classes
We’ve been hosting an array of classes in our Flatlander classroom since 2011.
The Flatlander classroom has enabled us to fulfill our third end of being an educational resource in the community, as well as allowed us to bring our friends and neighbors together for new experiences. We have both in-person cooking classes as well as virtual cooking classes that come with a meal kit to cook along in your own kitchens.
Common Ground offers a range of virtual cultural cuisine cooking classes and in-person classes every month. We have a wonderful team of community teachers who will walk you through every step of making a meal. Register for some of our upcoming classes below and sign up for our newsletter to be alerted to just released classes.
Summer Side Salads In-Person Cooking Class
Fridayday, July 24th from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Learn how to make delicious summer side salads with local chef, Carl Reisman! Perfectly paired with a seasonal refresher. Salads include:
- Soba Noodle Salad with eggplant, mango & shrimp.
- Melon & Berry Salad with honeydew, cantaloupe, fresh blackberries, feta & pistachios.
- Black Bean Salad with quinoa, avocado, sliced radishes, and seasonal greens, tossed in a lemon garlic dressing.
- Hibiscus Berry Refresher with blackberries, apple cider vinegar, local honey, bitters & soda water.
$40/person - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. All sales are final after 48 hours. Refund requests made after this period will not be accepted. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Waiting List will be made available once tickets are sold out.
Register

Cheese Making In-Person Cooking Class
Tuesday, July 28th from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Join us & Ernesto Rodriguez of El Molcajete Sauces for a hands-on cheese making experience celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico!
During this interactive class, you'll learn about Oaxacan culture and cuisine while discovering the traditional techniques used to make two iconic cheeses: Queso Fresco and Quesillo, also known as Oaxacan cheese.
After crafting your cheeses, from cooking to stretching and hand-winding them into a ball, you'll enjoy your creations with warm tortillas, El Molcajete's signature sauces, and seasonal garnishes for a delicious tasting experience.
$40/ticket - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. All sales are final after 48 hours. Refund requests made after this period will not be accepted. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Waiting List will be made available once tickets are sold out.
SOLD OUT

Previous Cooking Class Videos & Recipes
Education
Common Ground Food Co-op strives to serve as an educational resource on food issues.
The Co-op works hard to serve our community, from recipes to classes to our Grow On program for kids and in-store information about our farms, our products, and the food system. We work with local teachers and schools to come up with food curriculum that exciting for all ages.
Our classroom is a great and vibrant space that is used for cooking classes, staff meetings, and as a space where folks gather to share food and build community.
Check out our class calendar! You can sign up for classes online or in person at the registers with our staff.
Teach a Class
Community education creates a positive learning experience for the community members who participate in classes. Our education is accessible and varied in topic and perspective; however, due to COVID, our educational programming has become more limited and we ask that all classes are relevant to cultural cuisines, Co-op mission, and promote the products in store. We offer a supportive learning experience to experienced and novice teachers and learners. If you are interested in teaching a class please contact our Marketing Manager by email or by phone at (217) 352-3347 about the application process.
Apply to be a Co-op Teacher
Individual Class Proposal Forms
Request a Store Tour!
If you would like to bring in a group or class to the Co-op to learn about our local farms or food systems, schedule a store tour with us. We host engaging tours geared for all ages!
Request a Store Tour