Owner 650, we can't wait to meet ya!

Many of you are already on board with our vision of a community-owned grocery store.

• You've completed surveys
• You've supported us at community events
• You've told others about us
• You've donated
• You've volunteered
• 649 of you OWN IT and, most importantly, YOU GET IT!

You know that it takes a WHOLE community to come together to have more control over our local food system. You are the proud owners and supporters, considered the early adopters who have faith in our movement before our physical doors have even opened!

You also know that it takes at least 800 of us to get to our next stage: officially securing our location.

So, who's our next proud owner? Who will be the next to get us that much closer to making our well-planned, strategic dream a full-fledged reality?

Will it be you?

If you're already an owner, great! But, don't forget we offer Gift Ownership for your special someone! Make it extra special for their 65th birthday or June 5th b-day or anniversary by giving the gift of the 650th owner of the Food Shed Co-op.

The first to sign up as owner 650 will get two FREE tickets ($30 value) to the upcoming Inspired Living Expo on April 6th and 7th! You won't want to miss this exciting expo, with more than 95 booths displaying various positive health & wellness, holistic, animal, and environmental products and services. The expo will also feature demonstrations, presentations, lectures, live music, and a free showing of the film Heal.

Keep in mind, we also offer a Monthly Payment Plan for just $21/month and a Financial Assistance Fund for those who want to be owners but need a little help.

Please visit our website for more details.

Conversations Continue

Hang in there, grasshoppers, we are still in talks with McHenry County College, with a meeting scheduled in March to further discuss our partnership possibilities! In the meantime, stay patient and engaged in our community - we are GROWING strong, with new and exciting updates and events on the horizon! (Did we mention Goat Yoga?)

Did You Notice?

We made some updates on our website - check 'em out!

• Volunteer opportunities, have their very own page - now separate from our community events.
• We’ve added a slideshow on our homepage to display and connect to upcoming events and news.

We're doing what all the cool kids are doing these days: We added our fun Instagram feed for your viewing pleasure!

Now is a great time to get connected with us.  We have more than 3,000 Facebook followers,, more than 600 Instagram followers, and 800+ Twitter followers. So if you haven't done it yet:

Follow away

We won't lead you astray

Always fun and informative things we do say

Hey, hey!*

*We may not post funny cat videos, but you will see some good 'ol corny 🌽 humor from time to time 😄

Events!

February 16th: WPCC's "Teaming with Nature" at McHenry County College

This Saturday! It's not too late to register and join our friends at the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee for their 27th Annual Native Landscaping Seminar at MCC. The seminar will feature presentations on natural landscaping: how to use native plants in the garden, their benefits, their aesthetics, strategies for use, and how they support wildlife.

Registration for tickets is $40 if purchased in advance, and $45 at the door.

March 9th | 1pm: "Sustainable" Documentary Screening Event in Cary

Sustainable: The Future of our Food System Determines the Future of Mankind

Join us for the screening of Sustainable, a compelling documentary about America’s food system and the sustainable food movement (featuring local food heroes from right here in Illinois)! Delicious refreshments will be provided while you view the film at the Cary Area Public Library.

This screening is generously sponsored by Cary Alehouse & Brewing Company in Cary, Illinois, and All Grass Farms in Dundee, Illinois.

RSVP as space is limited!

March 24th | 2pm: "Sustainable" Documentary Screening Event in Algonquin

Sustainable: The Future of our Food System Determines the Future of Mankind

Join us for the screening of Sustainable, a compelling documentary about America’s food system and the sustainable food movement (featuring local food heroes from right here in Illinois)! Delicious refreshments will be provided while you view the film at the newly renovated, Algonquin Area Public Library's Main Branch on Harnish.

This screening is generously sponsored by The Black Bear Bistro in downtown Algonquin, Illinois.

RSVP, as space is limited!

April 6th & 7th | Inspired Living Expo in Crystal Lake

The Food Shed Co-op has become Alliance partners with the All Things Wellness Events & Expo organization! We encourage you to check out their Inspired Living Expo event coming to Crystal Lake on April 6th and 7th. 

You won't want to miss this exciting expo, with more than 95 booths displaying various positive health and wellness, holistic, animal, and environmental products and services. The expo will also feature demonstrations, presentations, lectures, live music, and a free showing of the documentary film Heal.

Volunteer Opportunities

March 16th: Woodstock Winter Farmers Market

Come on out to the award-winning Woodstock Farmers Market at the McHenry County Fairgrounds inside Building D. You'll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of more than 30 vendors offering quality winter produce and local artisanal foods and gifts, and live music!

The Food Shed Co-op has an outreach table at the market, where Food Shed newcomers can receive information and answers to their questions about our local food cooperative.

We're looking for a few more volunteers to represent the Food Shed at this festive winter market on March 16th. If you can help out, please sign up/RSVP for any of the two-hour shifts.

April 6th & 7th: Inspired Living Expo in Crystal Lake

The Food Shed Co-op will have an outreach table at the Inspired Living Expo. Volunteer shifts will be posted soon!

If you haven't registered to volunteer for the Food Shed Co-op yet, please visit our Volunteer registration page so we can learn all about your special skills and talents!

Cooperatively,

Your Food Shed Co-op Team