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Urbana's Common Ground Food Co-op's bulk bins will give your taste buds a treat. Photo by Isaac Bloom

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The Common Ground Food Co-op is not M.I.A. It is not out of business, nor did it sell out to cheap, processed food. It is, instead, big, bright and sustainable at its new location in Lincoln Square Village in Urbana. The CGFC first opened its new doors to the public on August 23.

Many members of the CU community visited the CGFC at its old location in the basement of the Illinois Disciples Foundation. While the produce was fresh and the organics were abundant, the CGFC wanted to serve the public as much as possible, which was difficult in the small space. In order to expand their public presence, the CGFC began their move this past spring. According to Shasta Homel, a grocery reciever of the CGFC, the key to the move was support from volunteers.

“The support has been incredible,” said Homel. “Every day there would be 12-20 people there to help.”

According to Homel, the immense volunteer support allowed the CGFC to avoid hiring movers or trucks. Even after the move, members pop their head in the office, wondering if anything needs to be picked up at the old location. For the first time, CGFC does not require membership for one to shop there; however, being a member does have added benefits. They enjoy special sales and appreciation days, plus, they have a major voice on policy-making. “The difference between a co-op and a store is that a store is owned by a person looking to make a profit,” Homel said. “Here at the co-op, there is no ownership. There is a board of directors, but we are really here to serve the public.”

At its new location, the CGFC has taken sustainability to a new level; the floors and paint are green and toxic-free, the toilet has a low-flush option and the front counter is made from reused wood. The new location is two and a half times the size of the old, and it shows in the product selection.

There is a salad bar, which recently featured tabouli with tomatoes, peanut udon pasta and sweet corn veggie soup, among other items. There are also muffins, coffee and tea. CGFC still features old favorites, like bulk tofu, but they have also expanded to new brands and products. Before the move, the members participated in a poll, which helped to determine what products they wanted in the new, larger space.

The move, above everything, has truly shown the dedication the employees, volunteers and members have to the CGFC. As Homel said, “Our main focus is providing local, organic, healthy food.”