Prairie Food Co-op Community Grocery

Katherine Carlson

Prairie Food Co-op will be a different type of grocery store - one that supports local farmers, is committed to transparent product labeling so that I know how and where food is produced, and encourages sustainable and organic food production. As a co-op, Prairie Food exists to serve you instead of make a profit for others. As a co-op, the store is owned by the community and more money stays here in Lombard.

My Ownership investment helps create a grocery store that:

  • Supports Local Food Systems
  • Provides Quality Jobs here in Lombard
  • Has a Positive Economic Impact
  • Promotes Environmental Stewardship
  • Promotes Healthy & Sustainable Foods.

I cannot wait until I can shop at Prairie Food Co-op - knowing that my Ownership helped make it happen! If this all sounds great, then join me and so many others by becoming an Owner today!

 


  • published Ilse Messner in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:29:22 -0500

    Ilse Messner


    Owner: 1138

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    Strong board leadership is essential to transition the store into a self-sustaining model. Unfortunately, the sales at the PFC have not grown as quickly as expected, and cost control is still an issue. Although this is not unusual for a small business start up to face these challenges, especially in the first year, a strong board is essential to work through this transitional time.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    I strongly believe in the Co-op food model that supports small businesses and strengthens the local economy. Co-ops add a tremendous amount of value to the local communities. This treasure needs to be preserved.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    Finance and Accounting professional with over 25 years of experience. Currently Employed at Allied Partners in Accounting & Consulting.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    York Township Trustee, DuPage County Democratic Central Treasurer, York Center Community Treasurer, Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program Site leader, Friends of York Township Board Member.

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Fundraising, Finance

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    As a Finance and Accounting professional, with over 25 years of experience and an MBA from the University of Chicago, my strong analytic and technical skills with primary strengths centered in financial forecasting and modeling will be an asset to this board.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    The primary goal would be to transition the PFC into the self-sustaining store within the year. With the right leadership, this is attainable. Additionally, I would like to see the PFC support as many local small businesses as possible. This community investment should be paid forward whenever possible.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    While I have no direct Co-Op experience I have enjoyed shopping at Co-ops in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois for many years.

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    Ilse is both a PFC owner and investor. She is a Finance and Accounting professional with over 25 years of experience, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and is highly involved in her community.
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  • published Tomas Novickas in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:29:14 -0500

    Tomas Novickas


    JerryNash.jpgOwner: 793

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    I care deeply about the role PFC plays in shaping our community and defining what makes it special for both current and future neighbors. As PFC grows and navigates the challenges of a physical store, I want to contribute my experience in operations leadership.

    In my professional role at a major utility, I lead a statewide team to maintain mission-critical infrastructure in a 24/7 environment. This has taught me how to be strategic and disciplined with resources and long-term planning. Success in my field requires more than technical focus; it demands the ability to foster a positive culture and build strong partnerships across diverse networks—skills I am eager to bring to the PFC Board.

    I’m not just passionate about our community’s identity; I am committed to the 'behind-the-scenes' work required to keep an organization strong. I would be proud to apply my leadership experience to help PFC thrive through its next chapter and beyond.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    I align with the mission of PFC and feel obligated to do my part to support the mission. My Family shops, volunteers, and is an investor in PFC.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    As a leader within a large-scale utility, I manage the maintenance of large outside plant assets through a statewide team of over 100. Operating within a 24/7/365 environment, I specialize in navigating resource constraints and adverse conditions to deliver rapid, mission-critical solutions. Success in this role hinges on my ability to cultivate strong partnerships across a diverse network of leaders and individual contributors. I am deeply committed to fostering a positive employee culture, recognizing that high morale is the engine behind our successful response to emergency escalations. I maintain a deep technical focus, balancing the logistical complexities of legacy infrastructure with the integration of new technologies.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    I have previously and currently serve as the Board President for our neighborhood York Center Community. The neighborhood board is the phoenix of the former York Center Community Coop and while the new organization is primarily social in nature, we do try to keep the spirit of the former group alive. I've also served as a board member at-large. I support with scheduling/volunteering/coordinating events, membership committee, communications, and other aspects.

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Technology

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    I believe my personal ethical compass combined with my professional experience will prove to be valuable for building the sustainability of PFC.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    I'd like to see PFC be my primary grocery store and be a hub of shared community values.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    My experience with coops is primarily though shopping. Additionally the neighborhood I'm in was built as a coop, now dissolved. While I was not able to participate in the coop, I do get to enjoy some of the lingering benefits and have gained perspective from folks about how it was unfortunately unable to sustain itself after 50+ years.

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    Passionate about the role PFC plays in shaping our community, I'll bring my experience in operations leadership to building partnerships and resource discipline to ensure our community stays strong.
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  • published Ranjini Iyer in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:29:10 -0500

    Ranjini Iyer


    JerryNash.jpgOwner: 231

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    My husband and I have invested a lot of money in the co-op and are saddened to see it struggle. I want to help change that.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    A coop shows people how one can live well without being a burden upon the planet. As a passionate believer in animal welfare and sustainability, the co-op embodies how we can all do our best without too much effort for the good of the world.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    I have worked as a small business consultant for many years. At the present time, I am a writer, development director at a small film production company and an options trader.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    Board member Zephyr Dance, SCARCE

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Marketing/Public Relations, Finance

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    I am an engineer and have an MBA and have had several years experience as a small business owner and consultant.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    I would like to help make the coop financially viable on one side and attractive to more shoppers than just owners so it can flourish in good and bad times.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    Long time owner and shopper at co-ops. Am closely involved in the growth/strategic planning of local food business--Righteous Kitchen as an angel investor.

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    I'm a significant early investor in PFC. My strong commitment to sustainable living and my experience with strategic planning and marketing can help the co-op succeed in a competitive environment.
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  • published Melissa Gonzalez in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:29:04 -0500

    Melissa Gonzalez


    JerryNash.jpgOwner: 171

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    It's my turn to get more involved with the co-op. I've been an owner and big fan for a long time, and have some time now for volunteer work. Serving on the co-op board seems like a good fit for my talents and a great way to contribute to our community.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    A community effort of this scale, built from the ground up by volunteers, is a precious thing. PFC is a place I can buy food and other products secure in the knowledge that they have been vetted and approved and are good for healthy eating and living. I love supporting local business this way. And I love the space and energy for community building and hope to cultivate even more of that.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    I'm currently employed in the development and fundraising department of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, a child welfare agency. Prior to this I worked for many years in marketing communications, most recently for faith-based organizations (St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, and Sisters of the Living Word). In addition, I had my own business as a doula and Lamaze educator for 15 years.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    Past board member, Breastfeed Chicago. Co-founder of Lombard Allies for Racial Justice (LARJ) and DuPage for Progress. Served on Lamaze Advocacy + Collaboration Committee. Also served as statewide representative for DONA International (doula certification organization).

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Fundraising, Marketing/Public Relations, Communications, basic database management and reporting

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    Those who've worked with me will tell you that I bring enthusiasm and fun to projects. As a former doula, I bring a lot of soft skills to the table -- modeling patience, putting people at ease, seeing what needs doing and doing it. In meetings I'm good at generating ideas and synthesizing the ideas of a group to develop actionable ideas and next steps.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    I can't wait to see the co-op come into its own and become a staple for Lombard shoppers, and to continue and expand upon the great community building already going on in the cafe and with local businesses.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    I was a member of a food co-op at my college, and like to visit new ones when visiting friends. I've also belonged to CSAs since the 90s.

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    I love local food and building community! My energy and experience with fundraising, marketing communications, and nonprofit boards will help the Co-op grow and prosper.
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  • published Austin Watroba in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:28:32 -0500

    Austin Watroba


    JerryNash.jpgOwner: 2650

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    I am interesting in serving on the PFC BOD as a means to contribute to a community I now live in and see that the store reaches financial viability after so much has already been invested in it leading up to the store's opening last year.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    PFC to me is a representation of what a community can do when they collaborate towards a common goal of high value.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    I've worked 10+ years in public accounting, I've held the designation of Certified Public Accountant since 2020. I currently work as a Senior Tax Manager for a top 100 Public Accounting firm, headquartered in Boston, MA.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    I'm currently an appointed director on the PFC board as of March 2026.

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Finance, Small, local grocery experience

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    I manage teams of many people in order to fulfill year-round, client deliverables as part of my full-time job. My career is highly detail oriented given the nuance of taxation in the United States. I also grew up in the small grocery business, my parents had two successful ventures in owning grocery stores in central Vermont. My grandparents also owned a grocery/liquor store in Amherst, MA for many decades.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    My personal goal is to volunteer my skills and perspectives in a meaningful way to PFC, helping it achieve financial viability and pay back lenders prior to me ultimately moving back to CT in 2029.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    As previously referenced, I grew up working for my parents in their two different grocery store business ventures. I ran the register, worked in the deli, stocked shelves, cleaned, opened the store, etc. Other than managing vendor relationships and inventory, I did most of all the tasks associated with running a store at various times in my life up until the age of 30.

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    Owners should elect me to the BOD because of my unique background in business/tax advisory and local grocery. I have a broad perspective having seen business from both sides, advisor and owner.
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  • published Andy Paul in PFC Board Candidates 2026 2026-05-14 12:28:23 -0500

    Andy Paul


    JerryNash.jpgOwner: 2150

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    I believe my experience and expertise can help the coop grow and succeed.

    What Does Prairie Food Co-op Mean to You?

    I believe in the neighborhood store idea as well as the natural and specialty food industry.

    Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 

    Owned a specialty/natural food brokerage company for almost 30 years. I understand the grocery business.

    Volunteer: Please tell us about any past or present volunteer membership/affiliation/leadership

    Former Board Chair for YMCA Youth & Government for 20+ years. HOA President (office) and Treasurer (home) as well.

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Finance

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 

    See above.

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    I want to see it not only survive but thrive and grow.

    What experiences have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    None

    Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
    I believe my expertise can be of value to the coop. I'm interested in serving as a way of giving back to the food community.
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  • published Installment Plan 2025-11-16 10:13:11 -0600

  • published Gift An Ownership in Become A PFC Owner! 2025-11-25 23:21:33 -0600

  • published Bulk Department in Our Grocery Store 2025-06-28 16:27:58 -0500

    Shop the Bulk Department | Save Money, Reduce Waste

    Buy exactly what you need. Pay less. Waste less. Feel good about it.

    Why Buy in Bulk? The Numbers Don't Lie.

    Buying in bulk is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools for cutting your grocery bill and reducing your environmental footprint at the same time. Studies show that bulk shoppers save an average of 27% compared to buying pre-packaged equivalents (LendingTree), and 41% of bulk shoppers estimate they save $25–$50 per month — that's up to $600 a year back in your pocket. (LendingTree) For spices and coffee specifically, savings can reach as high as 77% compared to packaged versions. (NPR)

    The environmental case is just as compelling. Containers and packaging make up over 28% of all municipal solid waste in the U.S. — more than 82 million tons per year. (US EPA) When you shop bulk, you're opting out of that cycle entirely.

    70+ Bulk Foods for Every Pantry

    Our bulk section carries over 70 foods — organic and conventional grains, flours, beans, rice, granolas, nuts, nut butters, dried fruits, specialty coffee, snacks, and sweet treats. Because you scoop only what you need, there's no over-buying, no half-used bags going stale, and no packaging headed for the landfill. It's also one of the most accessible ways to go organic: buying organic in bulk typically costs the same or less than buying conventional in a package.

    Whether you're meal prepping for the week, stocking a pantry on a budget, or just grabbing a single handful of trail mix, bulk buying gives you control over your portions and your spending.

    90+ Herbs, Spices & Teas — Sourced Responsibly

    Pre-packaged spice jars are one of the biggest markups in the grocery store — and one of the easiest things to swap. Our bulk spice and tea selection features 90+ varieties sourced through partnerships with Frontier Co-op and Equal Exchange Co-op, two cooperatives with deep commitments to ethical sourcing and fair trade practices. You get fresher product, dramatically less packaging waste, and the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from.

    How to Shop Bulk at Prairie Food Co-op

    Bring a clean, reusable container from home — mason jars, cloth bags, and rigid containers all work great. Either weigh it yourself at home (use some tape to mark the container!), or we're happy to do so for you at the store. Fill it with your desired product, and we'll tare the weight of the container at checkout so you only pay for the food. Not ready to bring your own yet? We provide paper and plastic bags and sell mason jars in-store. Every little bit counts.

    Can't Find What You're Looking For?

    We love adding new products. Talk to our buyer directly or drop a suggestion in the box in the café. This department exists because of you — and it keeps growing because of you, too.

    Every purchase in our Bulk Department is a vote for less waste, smarter spending, and a stronger local food system — one scoop at a time.


  • published Hours & Location in Our Grocery Store 2025-06-28 15:52:15 -0500

  • published Our Grocery Store 2025-06-28 15:46:36 -0500

    DuPage County's First Community-Owned Grocery Store — Now Open

    Prairie Food Co-op is officially open in Lombard, and DuPage County has never had anything quite like it. We're not a franchise. We're not a chain. We're a community-owned grocery store — meaning the people who shop here own it, run it, and benefit from it. Your neighbors. Local families. People who care about where their food comes from and what kind of community they're building.

    📍 Location: 837 South Westmore-Meyers Road, Lombard in the Eastgate Shopping Center (between Ace Hardware and the DMV).

    🕗 Hours: Open Daily | 7 AM – 8 PM

    Shopping Here Does More Than Feed You

    Every dollar you spend at Prairie Food Co-op works harder for this community than a dollar spent at a conventional grocery chain — and the research backs that up. For every $1,000 spent at a food co-op, $1,604 is generated in the local economy (UAEX) — compared to just $1,365 at a conventional grocer. Food co-ops also spend 38% of revenues locally, including on local wages and benefits (LendingTree) — nearly double the rate of conventional grocery chains.

    When you shop at Prairie Food Co-op, you're not padding a distant shareholder's portfolio. You're investing in Lombard and DuPage County.

    Real Food, Thoughtfully Sourced

    We carry fresh, locally grown produce, responsibly sourced meats, pantry staples, and specialty products you won't find at the big box stores down the road. Food co-ops do 2½ times more business with local farms and producers than conventional grocers (Global Resources Direct), and we're proud to carry that tradition into DuPage County. Whether you're stocking up on weeknight essentials or hunting for something special, you'll find quality here that reflects real values — not just a marketing budget.

    Competitive Prices, Community Values

    One of the biggest myths about food co-ops is that they're expensive. Prairie Food Co-op is here to change that story in DuPage County. We stock the everyday staples your household depends on — and we work hard to keep them competitively priced.

    Here's how we do it:

    • Weekly Fresh Deals — rotating discounts on produce, pantry staples, and more, so there's always something on sale worth grabbing.
    • Bi-Monthly Sales — deeper store-wide savings that let you stock up and stretch your budget further.
    • Owner Deals — exclusive discounts for member-owners, one of the many perks of having a stake in your grocery store.
    • Bulk Department Savings — buying loose means no packaging markup. Scoop what you need, pay only for what you take.

    Quality food shouldn't be a luxury. Whether you're shopping on a tight budget or just being smart about spending, Prairie Food Co-op makes it possible to eat well without overpaying. Think of it less like a specialty store and more like a neighborhood grocery store that also happens to carry exceptional local and sustainable products — because that's exactly what we are.

    Owned By the Community. Run For the Community.

    Becoming a member-owner of Prairie Food Co-op means you have a voice in how this store operates — and a stake in its success. At a food co-op, members own the business and elect their board of directors from among their community every year, ensuring the store stays true to the values of the people it serves. Not ready to become an owner? That's okay — everyone is welcome to shop here, member or not.

    A New Kind of Grocery Store for Lombard

    DuPage County deserves a grocery store that reflects its community — one that supports regional farmers and artisans, keeps dollars local, and makes it easy to shop with purpose. That's exactly what Prairie Food Co-op is here to do.

    Shop local. Support quality. Own your grocery store.

     

     

     


  • published Local Vendors in Our Grocery Store 2025-06-23 09:37:36 -0500

    Local.png

    Our Commitment to Local Vendors

    At Prairie Food Co-op, supporting local producers is at the heart of what we do. When you shop here, you're not just buying food — you're investing in our regional economy, reducing environmental impact, and building a more resilient food system.

    We prioritize stocking food and products that are grown, raised, or made as close to our store as possible — with a focus on farms and makers in Illinois and the surrounding area. 

    Down at the Farms Regional Food Hub | Fairbury, Illinois

    We’re proud to be one of the only grocery stores partnered with Down at the Farms — a first-of-its-kind network that connects the region’s best family farms to top chefs, restaurants, and now, to Prairie Food Co-op. 

    This unique partnership allows us to offer a much wider variety of high-quality, locally grown food than most stores our size — without overwhelming our in-house team. Down at the Farms works with over 120 family farms right here in Illinois, and thanks to this partnership, YOU get access to them, too.

    Every product is labeled with the farm it comes from. However, we may not always know ahead of time which farms will be included in each delivery. Some will be regulars (and are listed here), while many others will rotate based on season and availability.

    This is a powerful way we can support more small farms and keep your local food options growing — and we’ll always be transparent about where your food comes from.

    Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW) Cooperative Distributor | St. Paul, Minnesota

    Co-op Partners Warehouse is a Midwest distributor of organic produce and other perishables, specializing in the foods of local producers, opened in 1999 as an extension of the Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis. Now St. Paul-based and cooperatively owned, CPW delivers exceptional food and beverages to over 400 customers in 7 states across the Upper Midwest, serving co-ops, natural grocers, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, educational institutions, and buying clubs. Their cooperative values show up in how they treat everyone in the supply chain: between members, stores, farms, and the warehouse, they've developed a unique and truly alternative food distribution system built on respect for the farms that are the key to the business's success. CPW is USDA-certified as an organic handler and is part of the broader Twin Cities Co-op Partners family.

    KeHE Distributors Employee-Owned National Distributor | Naperville, Illinois

    With more than 8,000 employee-owners and a 19-distribution center network across North America, KeHE is one of the largest and most respected national distributors of fresh, natural and organic, and specialty food products. As a Certified B Corporation, KeHE is committed to using business and economic success as a force for good in the world, with a stated core purpose: "We SERVE to make lives better." KeHE's structure as a 100% employee-owned company means the people doing the work share in its success — a value that resonates with the cooperative spirit of Prairie Food Co-op. Their KeHE CARE Trade program supports brands that combine commercial success with making the world a better place, and their DIVERSE Trade program actively removes barriers for women-, minority-, veteran-, LGBTQ+-, and disabled-owned suppliers. KeHE's scale gives Prairie Food Co-op access to a national network of mission-aligned brands and suppliers that would otherwise be out of reach for an independent co-op.


    Together, these partners reflect the full arc of a values-driven food system — from Illinois family farms and Midwest food hubs, to global fair trade supply chains and national mission-aligned distribution. This Earth Month is a great moment to highlight how Prairie Food Co-op sits at the center of that network, connecting shoppers to something much larger than a grocery store.

    What to Expect from Our Local Selection

    We’re already working with a growing number of incredible local vendors — and we’re just getting started. That said, our local selection will expand over time, and here’s why:

    • Farming is seasonal – Some items are only available certain months of the year

    • Small producers need time to scale – Many local vendors are building capacity to meet our store’s demand

    • Reliable delivery takes coordination – Establishing regular, sustainable delivery schedules with small vendors is an ongoing process

    • We onboard carefully – We take time to ensure new vendors meet our quality standards and align with our mission

    We’re committed to growing our local offering with care and integrity. Your support helps make that possible.

    Meet Our Local Vendors

    These are just some of the farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, and producers helping us bring fresh, ethical, and community-rooted products to your table.

    *We will be adding new local vendors weekly, so this list may change or grow quickly. Our team is focused on supporting customers in the store, so thanks for your patience as we keep building your co-op!

    Produce

    Atmosphere Farms (mushrooms) https://atmospherefarm.com - Woodstock, Illinois

    Bland Family Farm https://www.blandfamilyfarm.com - Jacksonville, Illinois

    Down at the Farm - 100+ local (Illinois) fruit, vegetable, and meat products - Fairbury, Illinois

    Grateful Egg Farm (microgreens) https://thegratefuleggfarm.com - Riverwoods, Illinois

    Spira Farms (microgreens) https://spira.farm - Lemont, Illinois

    Meat

    Jake’s Country Meats https://jakescountrymeats.com - Cassopolis, MI

    Eggs and Dairy

    Bland Family Farm (eggs) https://www.blandfamilyfarm.com - Jacksonville, Illinois

    Kilgus Milk https://kilgusfarmstead.com - Fairbury, Illinois

    Specialty Cheese

    Prairie Fruits and Creamery https://www.prairiefruits.com - Champaign, Illinois

    Ropp Jersey Cheese https://www.roppcheese.com - Normal, Illinois

    Bread and Baked Goods

    Central Illinois Bakehouse https://cibakehouse.com - Champaign, Illinois

    Silverland Bakery https://silverlandbakery.com - Forest Park, Illinios

    Grocery

    Cahokia Rice https://www.cahokiarice.com - McClure, Illinois

    El Molcajete Sauces https://www.elmolcajetesauces.com - Evanston, Illinois

    Green Garden Mama (flowers) https://www.greengardenmama.com - Lombard, Illinois

    Heads Red BBQ http://www.headsredbbq.com - Roselle, Illinois

    Heray Spice (Halal certified spices) https://herayspice.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Janie's Mill https://www.janiesmill.com - Ashkum, Illinois

    Manna Organics https://mannaorganicbakery.com - Lisle, Illinois

    Maple Valley Cooperative https://www.maplevalleysyrup.coop - Cashton, WI

    Phoenix Bean Tofu https://www.phoenixbean.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Premola Granola https://www.premolagranola.com - Warrenville, Illinois

    Rollicking Buckaroo (jams/spices) https://buckaroopepperjam.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Spiritus Coffee https://spirituscoffee.com - Lombard, Illinois

    Wellness

    FuFluns (tinctures) https://fuflunsfoods.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Soapy Roads https://www.soapyroads.us - Lombard, Illinois

    Sol Food Natural Soaps https://solfoodsoaps.com - Fox River Grove, Illinois

    Spirits

    Alter Brewing https://www.alterbrewing.com - Downers Grove, Illinois

    Chicago Cane Cooperative https://www.chicagocane.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Cedar Ridge Distillery https://cedarridgedistillery.com - Swisher, Iowa

    Church Street Brewing https://churchstreetbrew.com - Itasca, Illinois

    Coppercraft Distillery https://coppercraftdistillery.com - Holland, MI

    Driftless Glen Distillery https://driftlessglen.com - Baraboo, WI

    Koval https://www.koval-distillery.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Minocqua Brewing https://www.minocquabrewingcompany.com - Minocqua, WI

    Ritual Zero Proof (Alcohol-free spirits) https://www.ritualzeroproof.com - Chicago, Illinois

    Sketchbook Brewery https://www.sketchbookbrewing.com - Skokie, Illinois

    Standard Meadery https://www.standardmeadery.com - Villa Park, Illinois

    Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Spirits https://thatchersorganic.com - Holland, MI

    Tighthead Brewing https://www.tightheadbrewing.com - Mundelein, Illinois


  • published Our Product Standards in Our Grocery Store 2025-06-12 16:31:13 -0500

    Food You Can Trust: Our Product Standards at Prairie Food Co-op

    Product_Standards_Graphic_(1200_×_630_px).png

    We Believe You Deserve to Know What's in Your Food

    Most grocery stores don't tell you how they decide what goes on their shelves. At Prairie Food Co-op, we do. Our product guidelines aren't a marketing slogan — they're a binding commitment to every person who shops here. We've drawn a clear line around what we will and won't carry, and we think you'll appreciate why.

    How We Choose What We Carry

    Not all "good food" claims are created equal. We source products using a deliberate priority order that favors local and organic above all else:

    1. Local Certified Organic — always our first choice
    2. Local products made with organic ingredients
    3. Local regenerative, non-GMO conventional
    4. Certified Organic (outside our local region)
    5. Other regenerative, non-GMO products

    Local = within 200 miles of our store, including all of Illinois Regional = border states (WI, IA, MO, KY, IN, MI) up to 400 miles

    This isn't just a philosophical framework — it's how we make purchasing decisions every single day.

    What You Won't Find on Our Shelves

    Walk through a conventional grocery store and you'll encounter hundreds of products containing ingredients we've chosen to exclude entirely. We do not carry products made with:

    • Bleached or bromated flours
    • Artificial colors or flavorings
    • Artificial sweeteners
    • High-fructose corn syrup
    • Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
    • Artificial preservatives
    • Irradiated ingredients
    • Meat from CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)
    • Health and beauty products tested on animals

    That last one deserves context. Roughly 90% of meat and eggs sold in the U.S. comes from CAFOs (World of Vegan), and the environmental and public health consequences are significant. CAFOs produce 335 million tons of manure annually in the U.S., and when mismanaged, pollutants contaminate groundwater and surface water across the country. (World of Vegan) Animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions globally (UAEX), with factory farm methane and nitrous oxide among the most potent contributors. 

    We don't carry CAFO meat. Period.

    What We Actively Seek Out

    Exclusions only go so far. What we're really proud of is what we do carry. Prairie Food Co-op actively seeks out products that reflect our values:

    • Cooperatively produced goods — supporting worker and producer-owned businesses
    • Fair Trade Certified items — ensuring farmers and workers are paid fairly
    • Wild-caught seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
    • Sustainable seafood with 'green' or 'yellow' Monterey Bay Aquarium ratings
    • Ethically farm-raised seafood
    • Pasture-raised meat and eggs
    • Meats raised without GMO feed
    • Proven label integrity and transparency
    • Environmentally sustainable practices
    • Positive social impact
    • Minimal packaging and waste
    • Uncompromising freshness, flavor, and quality

    Standards That Set Us Apart

    These guidelines place Prairie Food Co-op among a small group of grocers in the country willing to hold themselves publicly accountable to this level of sourcing integrity. We're not perfect — no grocery store is — but we are committed to continuous improvement and total transparency with our community.

    When you shop at Prairie Food Co-op, you're not just buying groceries. You're voting for the kind of food system you want to live in.

    Questions about a specific product or ingredient? Ask anyone on our team — we love talking about this stuff.


  • published Owner Loan in Community Investment 2025-03-20 09:17:20 -0500

    Owner Loan

    By purchasing a Note, you are lending money to the Co-op. The Notes represent our unsecured promise to repay principal at maturity and pay interest during the term or at maturity.

    Key Terms of Owner Loans (Notes)

    • Minimum Investment: $10,000, available in increments of $5,000.

    • Loan Term: 15 years from the date on the Promissory Note.

    • Interest Structure: Interest is simple (not compounded) and paid at the end of the loan term. These are modest returns, and it is presumed that lenders are motivated by the social benefit of investing in the Co-op rather than financial gain.
    • Interest Rate: Selected by the lender based on the loan amount:

    Loan Amount Maximum Interest Rate Options
    $51,000+ 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, or 4.5%
    $26,000 - $50,000 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, or 3.5%
    $10,000 - $25,000 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, or 2.5%

     

    💡 Interested in lending $50,000 or more? We’re open to discussing different interest rates to make this a win-win. Contact us to explore options!

    Additional Considerations

    • Subordination: Repayment of Notes is subordinate to the Co-op’s senior lenders (bank debt), vendors, landlords, employees, and trade creditors. This means that in the event of financial difficulties, these obligations must be paid before repaying Owner Loans.
    • Security: Notes are not secured by Co-op assets or collateral.
    • Transferability: Notes cannot be transferred to third parties without Board approval.
    • Early Repayment: The Co-op may choose to repay Notes early at its discretion, with interest accrued up to the prepayment date. There is no penalty for early repayment.

    Full Terms & Legal Documents

    The Notes Subscription Package includes the full terms and conditions. You can find this document and additional legal information on our website here.

     

    This is not an offer to sell securities which is made only by the Confidential Offering Memorandum and only members who are IL residents are eligible to invest in Owner Loans and only IL residents are eligible to invest in Preferred Shares


  • published Preferred Shares in Community Investment 2025-03-20 09:07:54 -0500

    Preferred Shares

    Class A Preferred Shares

    A Class A Share (which we are calling a "Preferred Share") entitles you to:

    • Potential dividends at the Board’s discretion. The target dividend rate is 3.0%, but dividends are not guaranteed, non-cumulative, and only paid when the store is profitable.
    • A liquidation preference, meaning that in the event of the Co-op’s liquidation, Preferred Shares would be repaid before common stock (Ownership) but after all debts and liabilities.
    • Restrictions on selling, as shares cannot be sold to third parties. They may only be redeemed (sold back) to the Co-op at the Board’s discretion.

    Share Purchase Limits

    • Share price: $1,000 per share.
    • Ownership requirement: Each Owner holds two common stock shares as part of their Ownership.
    • Purchase limits:
      • Owners may purchase up to 8 Preferred Shares (due to a 10-share limit per investor under Illinois cooperative law).
      • Illinois residents who are not Owners may purchase up to 10 Preferred Shares.

    Redeeming (Cashing In) Your Shares

    • Investors may only redeem shares after the Co-op becomes profitable and all loans are repaid. This is projected to take up to 15 years or more, though it is not guaranteed.
    • The Board may approve early redemptions at its discretion, but this is not guaranteed.

    Full Terms & Legal Documents

    The Confidential Offering Memorandum contains the full terms and conditions of Preferred Shares. You can find this document and other legal information on our website here.

     

    This is not an offer to sell securities which is made only by the Confidential Offering Memorandum and only members who are IL residents are eligible to invest in Owner Loans and only IL residents are eligible to invest in Preferred Shares


  • published Management Team in Our Co-op Model 2025-03-17 16:16:12 -0500

    General Manager Gabriel Smith

    GabeSmith.jpg

    My passion for local cuisine began in Portland Oregon. I moved to Portland for the thriving food and beer scene and general weirdness. I worked in various restaurants and brew pubs before embarking on a career in the film industry. 

    After 7 years in the film industry I moved to Buffalo, NY to be closer to family. It was here that I reengaged with my love for food via my position as Assistant Manager at Lexington Co-op. I was in charge of product selection and merchandising for the grocery department and spent some time in produce as well. 

    After a brief stint in graduate school I took over the Grocery Manager position at Syracuse Cooperative Market in Syracuse, NY. I worked to modernize the store’s approach to margin and product selection.

    When the Syracuse Cooperative Market decided to open its first new location in 50 years, I was chosen to be Store Manager. The new store brought fresh, local products to a diverse community. We implemented a program called Double Up Food Bucks to make produce more affordable for SNAP/EBT users.

    As a recent Chicago area resident, I am excited to bring my experience with food co-ops and the food industry to the opening of Prairie Food Co-op. All of my interactions with the Lombard community have shown a passion for food community building. I look forward to meeting more of the community as the co-op grows in the coming years.

    In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cycling, and finding new places to eat in Chicago’s many wonderful neighborhoods.

     


  • published About in Community Investment 2025-03-16 19:14:03 -0500

  • published About in Our Co-op Model 2025-03-16 18:17:31 -0500

  • published Legal Docs in Community Investment 2025-02-08 16:16:16 -0600

    CIP Legal Documents

    Community Investment Program

    Steps to Invest

    1. Please review the Confidential Offering Memorandum carefully
      • This tells you all about the project, the investment, and the risks.
    2. Review the Sample Legal Documents
    3. Make a Pledge
    4. Sign Legal Documents
      • We'll email customized legal documents via DocuSign.
    5. Send Payment for Investment in Shares or Owner Loans
      • Checks made out to: Prairie Food Co-op may be mailed to: P.O. Box 83, Lombard, IL 60148

    Contribution Options

     

    Options_Card_Donate.png

     

    Options_Card_Shares.png

     

    Options_Card_Loans.png

     

    Professional market studies show that 837 S. Westmore-Myers Road in Lombard is the ideal location for a thriving co-op and that we can generate earnings to buy back preferred share and loan investments. However, investments are not without risk, including the risk of loss. 

    This is not an offer to sell securities which is made only by the Confidential Offering Memorandum and only members who are IL residents are eligible to invest in Owner Loans and only IL residents are eligible to invest in Preferred Shares

     


  • pledged $10,000.00 2025-03-16 12:04:07 -0500

    Invest in Your Co-op

    Thank you for investing in Prairie Food Co-op!

    Your participation will help us open the doors to our bright beautiful store!

    You will not be asked to fulfill your pledge until you have carefully read the Confidential Offering Memorandum, have received answers to your questions, and have signed all the legally required documents.

    This is not an offer to sell securities which is made only by the Confidential Offering Memorandum and only members who are IL residents are eligible to invest in Owner Loans and only IL residents are eligible to invest in Preferred Shares.

    $362,380.10 pledged
    $350,000.00
    Pledge now