A favorite from one of Chequamegon Food Co-op’s board members, this homemade granola is infused with wonderful orange and honey flavors. It also features toasted almonds, cinnamon, vanilla, and old-fashioned oats! This is a great addition to breakfast, or a quick snack to grab. You can change the actual recipe to add more or different
The short answer is that a food co-op is a grocery store owned by your neighbors (and by you, if you choose). Unlike corporate chains, co-ops are totally independent and owned by folks in the community that shop there. Everyone is welcome to shop, eat and hang out at a co-op.
But a co-op is so much more than that—it’s a vibrant hub full of people who are passionate about food, caring for each other and the world. It’s a bridge between farm and city, connecting people who grow and love fresh foods. Co-ops are a force for good in the world—empowering organic farmers, fair trade producers and supporting other cooperative businesses that are also working to improve people’s lives.
Who says healthy, organic and delicious has to be exclusive? Co-ops welcome everyone to the table where great food is served because they believe that every parent and caregiver, every coach, every friend, every teacher and every kid is hungry for delicious, healthy food that nourishes them. Co-ops are on a mission to make sure that everyone in their community can get it!
With over 2,000 products on sale every month at the co-op, something you love is always on sale. Co+op Deals discounts and coupon savings average 20% off regular prices.
At the co-op, Co+op Basics groceries offer lower prices without compromising on values. Some competitors claim their value products are “natural” or “sustainable.” Co+op Basics groceries bear third-party certifications like USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade Certified and Certified Humane so you know how your food was made.
Flavorful and healthy, fresh foods are the best! Crisp veggies, sweet fruits, pasture-raised eggs, organic milk, sustainably sourced fish and humanely raised meats—co-ops are a community destination for delicious, fresh food.
Food co-ops want everyone to enjoy the pleasures and health benefits of fresh foods, which is why they work together to advocate for increased funding for federal programs that double the money SNAP shoppers receive to purchase locally grown fruits and veggies. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program provides grants that nonprofits use to partner with food co-ops and farmers markets to increase access to those fresh, healthy foods everyone loves.
Co-ops know everyone wants the freshest, best produce for their dollar—which is why fresh foods with imperfections get donated to their local food shelves—still delicious, still nutritious—nourishing neighbors in need.
Co-ops are owned by their communities, not some corporate office 1,000 miles away. Instead of focusing on Wall Street investors, co-ops focus on what their neighbors want—nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style. Co-ops know how to get the best local food because they greet the farmers that supply them by name when they make deliveries. And co-ops are passionate about giving back to their communities because they know that good food is just the beginning of what people can achieve by working together.
When you shop at a co-op, you’re supporting local farmers and producers as well as investing in supply chain transparency. Co-ops are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs and small business owners by bringing their products to market—but shoppers are the ones who keep them in business.
Co-ops are staffed by their community, owned by their community and serve as a gathering place for the community. No other grocery store has such deep local roots.
In addition to raising money for local non-profits and food shelves, many co-ops work with their communities in ways that reflect each community’s unique needs. For example, many co-ops offer community dinner nights where healthy meals are under $5, and some connect their customers to local producers by organizing farm tours during the growing season.
Co-ops offer classes and community events because education and concern for community are in their DNA. Cooperative businesses follow seven principles: they’re open to all, democratically run with everyone equally invested, they’re self-sufficient, promote education, support fellow cooperatives and put community first!
Food co-ops are owned by people, not a corporation, so they prioritize their community, local farmers and the planet. When you shop at a food co-op, you help strengthen this collective impact.
Organic products make up 39% of sales at the average food co-op. Organic farming keeps waterways clean, builds rich and fertile soil that has been proven to help slow global warming and creates habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies…things needed for an abundant and healthy food supply.
Certified organic food by law cannot be grown using toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMO seeds. Food co-ops unite with organic farmers, companies and brands to lobby Congress in support of strong national organic standards that reflect what customers expect from the label.
Co-ops sell $29 million of Fair Trade Certified products every year—fair trade certification means that workers are paid a livable wage, have safe working conditions and are able to invest in community development projects like hospitals, clean drinking water and schools. Fair trade also prohibits child labor.
Each year, co-ops sell $62 million of cooperatively produced goods and $102 million of products from Certified B Corporations. Like co-ops, B Corps champion the triple bottom line that is the hallmark of sustainable businesses: people, planet and profit.
Food co-ops regularly partner with companies to promote products that increase awareness and raise money for causes like hunger, education and sustainable farming methods. In 2019, working together, co-ops built a school in the Philippines with Vita Coco, raised money for Feeding America and helped raise funds for school gardens in co-op communities.
Food co-ops are working individually to reduce their carbon footprints and respond to the climate crisis by measuring and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, fuel use and refrigerant gases.
Since 2012, food co-ops have been working collectively with fair trade farmer co-ops in Peru to offset a portion of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their annual business travel by planting and protecting trees in the Peruvian Amazon. It’s called Co+op Forest.
Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas—from the atmosphere, effectively slowing the rate of climate change. As of 2019, Co+op Forest is home to an estimated 1.8 million trees and the region has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to serve as a model of sustainable communities.
While each food co-op is unique and owned by its community, many food co-ops are also part of a network of neighborhood stores across the country that work together toward the day when everyone has the good, local, healthy food they deserve.
Many food co-ops began as buying clubs for people wanting affordable food with less impact. To continue to deliver on that promise, food co-ops created their own buying club in 1999—National Co+op Grocers (NCG). By combining purchasing power on packaged groceries, they can deliver great deals on great products and serve their local communities and farmers better.
Through NCG, food co-ops have a united voice on Capitol Hill when it comes to issues many shoppers care about like federal programs that increase access to healthy food for everyone, protect food transparency for consumers and support organic farmers.
Through NCG, food co-ops unite on issues that matter to their communities. In 2019 food co-ops raised over $77,000 for National Farm to School Network to increase kids’ access to and knowledge of healthy food and sponsored national climate leadership awards for companies in their supply chain that are meaningfully addressing climate change.
Not only is NCG a cooperative, it is also a Certified B Corporation. NCG shares co-ops’ triple bottom line—people, planet and profit—and shares their commitment to making the world a better place. Through NCG, food co-ops donated $75,000 to the Food Co-op Initiative, a nonprofit helping communities organize new food co-ops and improve access to healthy food since 2005.
The Chequamegon Food Co-op shares the deep pain and anger that many are experiencing as a result of the unprovoked and inhumane murder of Minnesotan George Floyd, and countless others. Our hearts ache for his daughter, family and friends. His sacrifice must serve as the catalyst for true systematic change. As his 6-year-old daughter was
By Axel Peterman I know a few patches of stinging nettles within easy walking distance of my house, and this spring I’ve visited them regularly, gloves and canvas bag in my back pocket. Nettle greens are like spinach on steroids, and I pick the tender new growth, being careful not to take too much. No
Serves 1-4 ish Instructions Pour more olive oil than you’d think (or canola, or grapeseed oil, but olive oil is really good) into a large saucepan, and set it over medium heat. Add 1-2 thinly sliced onions, depending on how much you like onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are well browned. Color is
At the March 25, 2020 tele-meeting, The Board of Directors of the Chequamegon Food Co-op in Ashland, WI approved and hired Kiersten Galazen to fill the General Manager position for hire. Galazen has a 15-year history at the Co-op in addition to several years of experience at local retail food establishments and farms throughout the
Hello members! I am curious about how the new rigors of personal interactions are going to change our culture, but for the better? My hope is that in the near future we begin to include more people in all our meetings (not in person but via video). Our board has been adopting video conferencing over
April 5, 2021 Even with the Wisconsin mask mandate being lifted recently, it will remain our store policy that everyone who comes into our store wears a mask properly. We respect the decision of the state, and each individuals choice to follow this on your own accord, but as a high-trafficked public space, we are
MARCH APRIL The Vaughn Public Library: Summer Reading Program MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Whether you’re training for a marathon or you just exercise to stay fit, it’s important to remember that the human body, like any engine, needs fuel to maintain performance. But not all food is created equally, and it’s important to eat the right kinds of foods whatever your fitness goals. For aerobic training (any prolonged
On January 21, the Chequamegon Food Co-op appointed vested member Gary Sherman of Port Wing to its board of directors vacant seat. Gary has been a member of The Chequamegon Food Co-op since its founding on the East side. He joined his first food co-op in Madison in 1967 and has belonged to several since,
Check out our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Alpaca Arte Socks
Beautifully made and super soft. We have unisex sizes large & medium in stock, a size large would fit those men in your lives!
Terra Infinity Scarves
The Terra scarves made by women in Ecuadorean indigenous tribes, they are fairly traded and perfectly soft and lovely. We have several colors and types of scarves available.
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Wraps
The natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage, because good food deserves good care. A perfect gift for those trying to eliminate plastic use.
Luci Daum Reusable Bags – LOCAL!
We have three sizes of these sweet little bags. With lovely prints, they hold everything from feminine products (mini pouch) to replacing plastic bags in lunches.
Tinker Totter Robots
Stack and create various robots of all different sizes. Made from eco-friendly rubber wood this colorful set will stimulate the mind of any child who loves to build and puzzle. For kids 3+.
Krochet Kids Animal Hats
These hats have adorable little animal ears and are made from soft yarns. We have hats for the little foxes, pandas, bears & owls in your lives.
Urban Cowboy Deodorant
A gentle formula enhanced with botanical sage & rosemary to help fight odor and feel fresh. Urban Cowboy deodorant is vegan, free from phthalates & triclosan, and offers effective odor protection without aluminum, or talc.
Bulldog Skincare for Men
This fast-absorbing beard oil contains aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea. It has been specially formulated to soften, tame and condition the beard. This oil improves the shine of the beard without making it look greasy, yet leaves your beard smelling great.
Kleen Kanteen TKWide 16oz Insulated Kanteen
Stop spilling coffee in your bag with the Kleen Kanteen’s leak proof cafe cap. Plus you can add a touch of sustainability to your daily coffee run with the Insulated mug, it keeps hot drinks hot for 10 hours, or iced for 30 hours!
Racey’s Tastey’s Dog Treats – LOCAL!
Check out local dog treat maker Racey’s Tastey’s treats (Peanut Butter or Apple and Pumpkin) for the special pup in your life. These dog-tastic treats are made in Bayfield and are tested by owners Jim Lynch and Sally Hedges. Jim and Sally are also pack leaders of Racey’s Rescues sled dog team – a team built with a sled team of 6 rescued dogs.
Soft Lines Inc. Slip Leash – LOCAL!
Made right here in Ashland, Soft Lines builds dog leashes are made from multi-filament polypropylene fibers. The leashes stay soft and pliable even in cold conditions and are water resistant.
Auromere Bamboo Toothbrushes
De-plastic your bathroom with this eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. The Auromere bamboo toothbrush is naturally anti-bacterial, sustainably grown using bamboo wood, it is also Vegan and uses BPA-free bristles.
Kleen Kanteen Steel Straws
Americans use 500 million straws every day. The Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set is a reusable solution to disposable plastic straws and an ideal accessory for their 16oz or 20oz Insulated Tumblers and Steel Pint Cups.
One with Nature Activated Charcoal Soaps
Activated charcoal absorbs 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities and acts like a magnet to attract and absorb bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles when they come in contact with activated charcoal, helping to achieve a flawless, clear and even toned complexion.