CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – At Common Ground Food Co-op, the produce section isn’t just about freshness — it’s a vibrant, living showcase of local partnerships, seasonal abundance, and grassroots food systems that stretch across the Midwest into Champaign County.

“We work with over 60 farms within 100 miles and 70 regional producers in surrounding states,” said Sarah Buckman, Marketing Manager for Common Ground. “When you shop here, you’re supporting small growers, fair trade practices, and a whole ecosystem of local food producers. And you can taste the difference.”

Take the cherry tomatoes from Ben and Molly’s Farm in Camargo, the blueberries from Michigan, or the summer squash, melons, onions, and corn from Miller Farm Fresh Produce in Arthur—each tagged as local, regional, or organic so customers know exactly where their food comes from.

“One of the most exciting parts is watching how vendors grow with us,” Buckman said. “Many start at the farmer’s market and gain momentum there. Then they move into the Co-op.” One such vendor is Cary’s Garden of Eatin’ which recently delivered 300 pounds of discounted peaches to the store.

Then there’s Delight Flower Farm, a women-owned business that brings fresh bouquets in season and teaches floral workshops. “They’ve been with us for years, building a strong following in Champaign County,” Buckman added.

Products range from Prairie Fruits Farm’s award-winning cheeses to Ropp Jersey Cheese from Normal, a seventh-generation dairy. Shoppers will also find local grains and flours, house-made peanut butter, and fresh basil and herbs from Green Pantry Nursery in Tuscola. And yes, there’s a grind-your-own peanut butter station.

In addition to a diverse array of eggplant, cucumbers, okra, and greens from Sola Gratia Farm, and regional mushrooms from Flyaway Family Farm in Makanda, the Co-op houses a full kitchen and bakery upstairs, serving scratch-made meals and baked goods daily.

“Our kitchen staff is amazing—they make everything in-house,” Buckman said. “From scratch-made pizza crusts, hummus, carrot cake, to vegan and gluten-free options—there’s something for everyone.”

New this season is a coffee station featuring a drip coffee station with Mad Goat Coffee and a bulk coffee and packaged coffee section featuring Mad Goat Coffee, Columbia Street Roastery, and other local roasters. Shoppers will also find an extensive beer and wine section, with local favorites like Springfield Beer Company, Blind Pig, and Triptych, along with unique non-alcoholic options.

The store also plays a key role in addressing food access through the Link Match program, which provides matching funds for SNAP users to buy fruits and vegetables.

“Since launching mid-2023, shoppers have redeemed over $134,000 in Link Match vouchers. So far this year, we’ve seen over $40,000 redeemed,” Buckman noted. “That’s money going directly into local farms and helping people stretch their food budgets. It’s a triple win—for shoppers, farmers, and the Co-op.”

And the community impact doesn’t stop there. The Co-op is preparing for a major Owner Drive this fall, with Owner Appreciation Days set for September 10–16, and extra perks planned for new owners throughout September and October.

“Becoming an owner means being part of a movement that values transparency, sustainability, and equity in our food system,” said Buckman. “It’s about owning a stake in something that feeds your community—literally.”

Whether you’re picking up local eggs from Joyful Wren Farm, sushi from Lal, or freshly baked bread from Central Illinois Bakehouse, one thing is clear: the Common Ground Food Co-op isn’t just a store—it’s a hub for fresh food and a better way to eat.

For more information about the Co-op’s ownership drive or to see what’s in season, visit www.commonground.coop.