Clear Creek Food Cooperative

Hello co-op supporters,

Welcome to what feels like summer!

We are now open from 11 am – 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. Summer is a slower season for us, and these hours will help us best balance convenient access and fiscal prudence. We’ll look forward to seeing you then!

If the thought of summer has your family demanding fresh, certified-organic produce, the co-op should be your first stop. We have organic fuji and cameo apples, green peppers, onions, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, and garlic. Add a few cans of organic beans and tomatoes for a perfect summertime chili… or enjoy some apple pie for Memorial Day.

Looking for summer activities for the kids? The co-op will be hosting local children’s author Shelley Davis on June 4th from 1 – 4 pm. Ms. Davis will come dressed as a farmer for storytelling and booksigning, so mark your calendars now. You can find out about these and other events at www.facebook.com/ClearCreekCoop. “Liking” our page will also give you access to recipe ideas, book suggestions, and timely co-op updates.

Thanks for your support.

Check out the May newsletter for some updates, complete with upcoming events, a cooking class review, a book suggestion and an absolutely to die for date cookie recipe!

Happy Spring!

This month’s rains have turned everything a lush green - including our fridges, which are full of the freshest local produce.  David Reed just delivered delicious bok choy, mixed greens, carrots, radishes, and stir fry mix.  We have kale from Christopher Farms as well as red and green “living lettuce” from Lush Leaf Farms.

Our selection of organic produce is growing as well.  We’re currently offering organic cameo apples, yellow onions, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, cucumbers and garlic.

Need some ideas for all this bounty?  We recommend this recipe for vegetarian kale pie, courtesy of Mark Bittman — http://chowtimes.com/2010/04/11/kale-pie/.  It’s a perfect make-ahead dinner, and a great chance to highlight local kale, eggs, and yogurt.

We’ll see you soon!

Check out our April update newsletter [PDF].  This edition includes:

• Upcoming Coop and community events
• A list of common and harmful additives to avoid
• Recipe of the month: Easy Black Bean Soup
• A review of the Gluten Free Cooking class and a related book review

If you have any questions, just let us know!

Happy Spring everyone!

The following includes events and opportunities happening in the next few weeks.  Pull out your calendars and save some dates!

This coming Saturday, March 26, is an exciting day for friends of the Co-op:

In the morning from 9am to noon, the Winter Farmer’s Market will be taking place at the Innovation Center (814 East Main St. a few blocks up from the Co-op).  There will be a delicious Jen Ferrel created breakfast, FREE fresh cups of coffee, and live music.  If you have any questions, contact Tory Medinger, the Market Master, at tmed32@gmail.com.

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We have a plethora of new gluten free products in store, including pie crust, brownies, cinnamon buns, cheesecake, pita bread and Heaven Mill’s chocolate, vanilla or cinnamon Rugelach.  You will be amazed by how absolutely mouthwatering these new, gluten free products are!

For more gluten free, come by the co-op Tuesday, the 15th from 6pm-7pm for Jen Ferrell’s gluten free baking class!  Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members and the result is sure to be pleasing to the taste buds. This class has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 22nd due to instructor illness.

We have a great selection of local greens in store now, including lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, watercress and also carrots.  What better excuse do you need to make a scrumptious (and local!) salad?

Other new products include Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, frozen mixed berries, Lundberg’s Rice Chips with Sea Salt, Santa Cruz’s Organic Lemon Ginger Echinacea juice and more.  Stop in to see all our new products!

Thanks to all our members, guests and new members, for coming to our very successful member event last week!

We’d like to update you on March events and happenings.  Please check out our attached March newsletter (thanks to volunteer initiative!) that will tell you about the Richmond Winter Farmers Market, upcoming events and other co-op related tid-bits.

At the co-op, our $2 Nature’s Farm milk coupons are back, as are Midel’s Gluten Free Ginger Snaps.  We have a new Lemon Ginger Kombucha and Goji Berry Kombucha for our Kombucha lovers to try.  Our local greens are stocked in great supply, so stop by to get your fresh greens this week!

Thank you and hope to see you soon!

The Clear Creek Co-op is thrilled to invite you to our next owner/member event! On Thursday, February 24 at 7pm we will gather to sample creative, delicious local products:

• Beer from New Boswell Brewing Company (Richmond, IN)
• Wine from Wilson Wines (Modoc, IN)
• Cheese from Swissland Cheese Company (Berne, IN)

We will learn about wine and beer pairings and enjoy snacks and conversation.

This is a member-only event, though we encourage members to bring guests! Any new members who join at the event will receive a gift (a copy of The Small-Mart Revolution), and members who bring guests get coupons!

Everyone will have a chance at dozens of door prizes and on-site massages!

This will be a festive event for enjoying delicious food and drinks, but we’ll also do some quick business – introducing your member cards, and our new member-loan program!

We look forward to seeing you at the Co-op!

The Co-op has been helping Richmond eat healthy for over 30 years, but has gained new recognition since moving downtown one year ago. Founded in 1976, the Clear Creek Co-op is Richmond’s only member-owned (and fully open to the public) grocery.

We have some yummy new products, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or a chilly fall or winter evening.

Mulling spice, hot cocoa powder, or some sparkling apple cider will complement any seasonal meal.  We have gravy mixes, vegetarian and otherwise.  Tofurkey with heat and serve frozen gravy also available.  We have gluten free bread crumbs (and bread, of course), great for making your own gluten free stuffing this Thanksgiving! We even have a recipe printed out for you to take, here in the store.

We also have some vegan pumpkin pie recipes and a delicious vegan pumpkin-walnut bread (tried and tested by our very own co-op employee and a few customers).  We have a gluten free pie crust, too!  We have frozen dairy free pumpkin pies or pure maple candy for dessert.

So come on by and get ready for your gluten free, dairy free or meat free Thanksgiving!

Hello fellow owner/members,

Sunday, November 14th at 4:00 pm at the Co-op - This is the time for members to take an official role in the Co-op’s functions and vision!   We will be voting on our new by-laws, please read them before you arrive.

We will also be discussing the possibility of a new name, one that may convey our openness to the community!  We have other decisions to make together, as well as many things to celebrate! (And of course, we’ll have snacks and hot drinks.)

If you haven’t become a member of the Co-op yet, join now to have a vote and own a share in the Co-op!

Also, Earl Smith, dairy farmer and local food/farmers’ market entrepreneur of Hancock County, IN, will be with us to talk about what we can do in Richmond and Wayne County to support local farmers and a local food economy!

You’ll have to stay for the November 100 mile radius potluck (at the Co-op at 5:30) if you want to continue the discussion with Earl - so bring a plate and some food to share!