The Sugar Beet and Green Home Experts: Collaborating for Our Benefit

by Amy Henderson

Many people in the Oak Park - River Forest - Forest Park community have considered joining the Sugar Beet Co-op. Some have asked, "What do they do exactly?" "If I join what's in it for me?"

The Sugar Beet will be a community-managed store, will sell food directly from local farms and producers, and will educate citizens about the importance of supporting farmers and the local economy. It will also include a commercial kitchen where our community can take classes on cooking and preserving, so that folks are able to eat locally year-round here in the Midwest.

I joined knowing that to get things moving, the Sugar Beet needed members. Without members, there would be no future store, and the chance to enjoy locally-sourced produce would be limited to the Farmer's Market season. I benefit knowing that my membership today is an investment in my food tomorrow.

Some of the other benefits of membership include:

• 5% discount on Sugar Beet goods and services
• Opportunity for a further discount for members who volunteer at The Sugar Beet
• One vote per membership on co-op business

And now, another benefit!

We have reached out to our community, and are delighted to announce a generous offer from our partner, Green Home Experts. 

Now through May 31, 2013, Green Home Experts will offer a $10 gift card for the next 50 new members who join the Sugar Beet Co-op. 

Please visit Sugar Beet Co-op for membership details. And please join me in making our food a priority.

Amy Henderson is a Sugar Beet Co-op member and volunteer.