Chicago Market Newsletter — October 2023
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
The term regenerative agriculture came up at our Annual Meeting recently and we wanted to share two perspectives on it from our community. 
Marty Travis, farmer
Our GM Dan Arnett interviewed Marty at our Annual Meeting and we've captured his answer to the question in this short video.
Meghann Beer, Owner and non-profit consultant
Chicago Market Owners are not sitting on the sidelines. They are active participants seeking solutions for climate change, sustainability, food system development, and more. We asked Meghann Beer, Owner #176, to tell us about her recent Terra.do Climate Farm School experience in a blog post: Climate Solution: Regenerative Agriculture.
Election Results
New Director
Thanks to 291 Owners who voted in our election (up 45% from last year), we have a new Board member joining us — Malicha Dida (he goes by Dida). We're excited to have a new voice and new energy on our Board.
Incumbents
The incumbents running were also re-elected: Kate Grimm, Sonia Lewis, Dana McKinney, Matthew Ruffi, and Anthony Todd.
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We want to send a BIG THANK YOU out to Donna Curtin and James Gignac whose terms end now. They have been critical to the success of Chicago Market and we thank them for their service. See you both soon at the Uptown Farmers Market and shopping the aisles of our store before long!
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If you missed the Annual Meeting, we have a video recording of it for you.
And be sure to read your:
October is National Co-op Month
Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman proclaimed October Co-op Month.
Guided by a set of shared principles and values—among them democracy, equity and solidarity—co-ops are hardwired for economic and societal transformation. In a moment when corporations are scrambling to find an identity outside of maximizing shareholder value, that’s a meaningful difference.
Co-op Month is the perfect time for new Owners to join you in being a part of transforming our community through food. Take a minute to think about your friend circle. Who do you know who should be alongside you in this exciting moment. Reach out to a few friends to share this blog post with them:
5 Reasons to Join a Grocery Co-op
Volunteer
Foodshed Champions
Foodshed Champions raises up the activists, advocates, and organizations in our foodshed who are making a difference. Learn more about them and support any way you can.
The Evolved Network
The Evolved Network was founded by Sebastian White and provides "experiential programming through culinary and gardening, equipping youth in systemically oppressed communities with transformative healing, skills, and support needed to evolve into masters of their unique gifts".
Plans call for a restaurant and garden where they will offer gardening and culinary training; therapeutic intervention; employment; and financial literacy education.
Their annual fundraiser, Eat & Evolve 2023, is October 16. Learn more and get tickets (or donate) here.
- Our Site Plan is complete.
- The first of our permit applications has been submitted to the Department of Transportation to request our address be connected to our business.
Uptown Farmers Market Community Corner
October 11 — Swedish Hospital
- Uptown Farmers Market — every Wednesday from 2:30 - 7:00pm
- Board Meeting — November 6, 7-9:00pm
News from Our Business Owners
We’re proud to report that we are a cooperative with 35 owners! This blogpost explains why we need you to become an owner. We appreciated the opportunity to talk with so many fellow Chicago Market Owners at the Annual Meeting.
Get Involved
- Donate any amount here. (can be tax-deductible and recurring)
- Level Up your Ownership if you're not already a Cultivating Owner.
- Donate to our Ownership Grant Program.
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