Happy Co-optober! Fundraising Success + Events

Happy Co-Optober!

Celebrate National Co-op month with us by becoming a Food Shed Co-op owner! Be the first new owner in October, and you'll get a $25 gift card to 1776 restaurant in Crystal Lake; 1776 is known for incorporating locally-sourced ingredients into their delicious, high-quality dishes.

Already an owner? Great, you can refer a friend or someone you know to the Food Shed, and if they become an owner, we have a surprise gift for you too!

Empty Bowls Fundraiser Success!

We are excited to share with you that our partnership with McHenry County College’s Empty Bowls fundraising event raised more than $3,000 for MCC's new student food pantry! A portion of the proceeds were also given to Crystal Lake's food pantry, which included money raised from the Food Shed Co-op’s "pop-up" style food store, full of products from our valued locally-sourced farmers and food artisans.

Thank you to MCC's team, including Tracy Champion and Chef Tina, and all the Food Shed Co-op volunteers and board members who made this fundraiser a success: Carina Vowels, Jenn Feeley, Eva Bee, Scott & Kim Brix, Rusty Foszcz, and Martie Gorman. Thank you also to our amazing musical acts, who donated their time and talent: Jim Green (jimgreenmusic.com), Trillium the Band (www.trilliumtheband.com), Woodstock HS Chamber Orchestra featuring Lyndra Bastian ([email protected]), and the Woodland Spirit Flute Circle (www.woodlandspirit.net).

A big thanks to our local farms and food artisans for their generous food donations: The Paulsons of Brad & Cindi's Produce (Brodhead, WI), Bushel & Peck's (Beloit, WI), Sue Rekenthaler of Natural Farm Stand (Richmond, IL), Lisa Faber of Sunshine Preserves, Loyola Farm at Loyola's Retreat & Ecology Center (Woodstock, IL), and Nichol's Farm (Marengo, IL).

Upcoming Events

Farmapalooza! | Sunday, October 14th | Terra Vitae Farms, Woodstock

Come out to Terra Vitae Farms for a fun-filled day of family activities, food, and fundraising for a great cause! Terra Vitae Farms is owned by Mike Biver and his family, who are also Food Shed Co-op owners. For more information and to purchase tickets to this event, please visit: www.gigisfarmapalooza.com.

Food Science Innovations | Friday, October 26th | McHenry County College, Carey Lecture Hall, Liebman Science Center (1st Floor), Crystal Lake

If you're reading this newsletter, you likely have an interest in food and possibly even improving our nation's food system . . . and we bet you won't want to miss this foodie event!

As part of MCC's new "Liebman Speaker Series" that focuses on the intersection of science and everything, "Food Science Innovations" will be the exciting topic for Friday, October 26th.

Guest speaker Jonny Hunter, chef and owner of Underground Food Collective in Madison, Wisconsin, will talk about innovation in the food industry and how a small company can rethink its supply chain in order to compete with large, multinational corporations.

Recognizing that the food industry has been pushing out small producers for the past 60 years, Hunter will discuss how his team focused on waste, innovation, health, and taste in order to survive. This focus led to a path toward a food system that aligns with the values consumers are demanding.

Attendance to this event is free, but registration is required, with limited seating.

Green Living Expo | Saturday, November 3rd | McHenry County College, Crystal Lake

If you love all things green, eco-friendly, environmentally responsible, and sustainable, then come out to the 11th Annual Green Living Expo and view more than 100 area businesses and organizations offering green products and services. There will also be educational exhibits, green gifts, and energy-efficient ideas for your home and businesses!

*Volunteers Needed!*

We'll have two (2.5 hour) shifts between 10am & 3pm: "RSVP" here to sign up for a shift. Free Food Shed T-shirt for those who sign up!