Autumn might be my favorite time of year. It’s that special time of the year where we connect as a community a bit more, celebrate the fall harvest, and express gratitude for all we have been able to achieve – not to mention the beautiful fall foliage!
This year we had a couple of successful events: Planta-Palooza, our 50th Anniversary and OwnerFest, where we connected with many current and new customers and Owners. Several local businesses participated at both events and our staff did a great job setting up and ensuring the events were successful.
During these holidays, we want to show you how we are different from any other grocery store in the area, and help you celebrate with the unique products we carry.
The Common Market difference:
• The best selection of local meats including local Rib Roast from Hilltop farms
• Local fresh turkeys from Koch's and Sho Nuf turkey farms
• Some unique items from our Wellness department like local Elderberry syrup, local Goose Ridge Soaps, and tons of Common Market supplements and essential oils. Also, shop our amazing general merchandise selection for all your gift ideas
• Local South Mountain Creamery dairy products including egg nog
• All our house-made baked goods and café items, made from scratch at the 7th Street Bakery
• An amazing cheese selection including 14 varieties of local cheeses to enjoy
• Local butternut squash and sweet potatoes from House in the Woods Farm
• A wide variety of hyper-local coffee roasters
• A huge selection of bulk nuts, flours and spicesthe best in Frederick!
• Field Day products for an affordable organic Coop brand option
• Bulk dog treats and frozen raw pet food
• A wide selection for special diets – meat alternatives, gluten-free and dairy-free
• The best selection of non-alcoholic beverages in Frederick
Also, in this Spoonful edition you will be able to read our annual report for July 2023 - June 2024including our recent Board election results.
If you are not an owner and are excited about the work the Common Market is doing for the support of the community, please consider joining our consumer-owner group which has been supporting our cooperative business model.
From all of us, we wish everyone a happy holiday season, filled with joy and hope for the future.
In Cooperation,
Román Diaz, General Manager
Editor & Ad Sales - Susan Schulman | Design & Layout - Kayleigh Montgomery-Morris, Jenni Jones Classes & Education - Amanda Harmon | Contributors - welcometothetable.coop Contact marketing@commonmarket.coop with contributions. Contact sschulman@commonmarket.coop
Hello Spoonful Readers!
Julie Richards
President
Alecks Moss
Vice President
Nina Carr
Kai Hagen
Armando Martinez
Jaime McKay
Toby Schermerhorn
Alison Wexler
Directors
Tim Roberts
Staff-Board Liaison
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Gratitude is born of humility, for it acknowledges the giftedness of the creation…This recognition gives birth to acts marked by attention and responsibility.”
-Mark T. Mitchell, Dean of Academic Affairs; Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia
As we move into the holiday season, please consider the significance of your everyday interactions with each other – as well as our customers, yourself, and the natural world. Gratitude can never be underrated. It carries within it the power to affirm all that is good and to be attentive to the small, simple details of even the most mundane of moments.
For example:
The Common Market Board of Directors meets monthly via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. To join a meeting, please click on the ZOOM link provided on the Board of Directors page of the Common Market website.
- Greet a fellow co-worker or customer with a smile and a compliment, and instantaneously make their day better.
- Think about what you like best about your job and ‘work it’ like a rock star.
- Whenever you can, prove that human kindness is still a thing –even in the midst of war and strife.
- Pause and savor the pleasant aromas wafting out of the bakery and boost your endorphins.
- Acknowledge the Sun, the land, the waters, and the air and how they source your daily sustenance.
- Take a deep breath and feel your lungs embrace your heart.
- Consider that every breath cycle you experience is like your heart reminding you that you are the miracle of all miracles.
In short, the Board extends its best wishes to you and your loved ones. It is grateful for you and how your uniqueness contributes to the exceptionality of the Common Market. In this season of Thanksgiving please remember this:
“We have been given the duty and responsibility to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give our greetings and our thanks to one another as people.”
Our annual celebration of Co-op Owners - Ownerfest - was so much fun this year! We welcomed about 350 Owners and lots of potential Owners to enjoy a delicious lunch made by our café, free samples, live music, and fun activities. The beautiful gathering culminated in our annual Board of Directors Meeting, where we heard about the Co-op's successes during this past year! More info and photos from the event are on page 12 and 13.
Hurricane Helene Relief Donation
In the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Helene, our community came together to raise $1,141.78 for recovery efforts! These contributions will be directed to the Disaster Recovery Fund, a crucial initiative of the Cooperative Development Foundation that is committed to helping cooperatives and their members rebuild and recover after natural disasters.
Board of Directors Election Donation
We are thrilled to report a successful election year, with a turnout of 450 owner votes! Your engagement in the voting process is a testament to the strength and dedication of our community. This year we donated $1 for each vote cast on behalf of Common Market Owners! Totaling $450, contributions were made to two local non-profit organizations: Mobilize Frederick and the Maryland Deaf Community Center.
Thank you for your active participation and for being a part of our cooperative journey. Together, we are not just a grocery store; we are a thriving community that believes in supporting one another. Your voice matters, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!
Sustainability Award
On October 24th, The Common Market proudly received the Sustainability Award from Frederick County Sustainability Commission, joining many outstanding organizations working to build a more sustainable future. This honor reflects the commitment of our dedicated staff, valued community partners, over 9,000 Owners, and more than 200 local farmers and vendors who strengthen our local food systems. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community, whose commitment to being conscious shoppers and responsible stewards of the planet has made this achievement possible. Together, we are creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Fortress Foundation Solutions Food Drive
The Common Market, in partnership with Manning Media, Fortress Foundation Solutions and Woodsboro Bank, is a donation location for a community food drive benefitting the Frederick Rescue Mission. Shelf stable items are welcome and will be shared with food insecure neighbors in need. Drop-offs are November 2nd at the Route 85 store and December 7th at the 7th St. store.
Isaac Produce Backup Buyer
What do you like best about your job?
I feel like I have a hand in what goes on in the produce department and I appreciate that.
What is your favorite meal to make?
Arroz con Habichuelas Rosadas. It is a very simple dish but it is very nostalgic for me. We'd have it almost every day in Puerto Rico.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
Sungold kiwi. It's good from the first bite, like me!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I'd want to learn how to rally race. It seems awesome.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
If I have any amount of free time, I will be playing pickleball!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I want to be a high-rated pickleball player; maybe a pro or a coach.
What's your biggest splurge ingredient? Steak. When I was growing up we didn't eat it a lot, we'd mostly eat chicken or pork. So for me, steak is a novelty.
What is something always in your pantry/fridge? Adobo is always in my pantry. I season everything with it.
What is your food philosophy in 20 words or less? Eat what you want as long as you eat.
Priscila
Co-op Steward
What brought you to the Co-op? The inclusivity.
What do you like best about your job? Being around my lovely coworkers.
What is your favorite meal to make? Grilled cheese and tomato soup.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
Any berry - my favorite is raspberry - because they are always sweet.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Photography
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Progressing in my photography, while working at the hospital.
What's the best meal you've ever eaten? King crab legs with melted butter.
What's your biggest splurge ingredient? Wild honey and bee pollen
What is something always in your pantry/fridge? Peanut butter
What is your favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal? Fried eggs with sriracha
What is your food philosophy in 20 words or less? Avoid food products containing ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in the pantry.
SCAVENGER HUNT BIKE RIDE FOOD DRIVE
Tony Meat & Seafood Steward
What brought you to the Co-op?
I was shopping and paying for my groceries and my bank card wouldn't work. The gentleman at the customer service desk pulled out a gift card and paid for my groceries. I wanted to work at a place with such customer service.
What do you like best about your job? Selling fish and interactions with customers and staff.
What is your favorite food to make? Pasta with meat sauce and garlic bread.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Rest
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I'll be 82, happy to be anywhere.
What's the best meal you've ever eaten? My mother's cioppino.
What is something always in your pantry/fridge? Garlic and olive oil.
What's your food philosophy in 20 words or less? You can't go wrong with good ingredients.
saturday, nov. 23rd 10:15AM
Cranksgiving is a scavenger hunt & food drive on two wheels! Make your giving fun this year! Grab your friends and family and join us for a fun and challenging ride around Frederick to help pick up food donations! All food and donations go to the Frederick Community Action Agency. So come on out, join the fun and make Cranksgiving your new tradition! E-bikes are welcome. Not a bike rider? No problem. The Common Market is raising funds at checkout to purchase food for families in need. All food and donations go directly to the Frederick Community Action Agency. Details at: facebook.com/TheBicycleEscape
Help Support Co-op Principle #7 This Holiday Season &
1-15
Round up at the registers to help locals in need.
Keeping It Local
At the Common Market, “local” is defined as products from farms or businesses within 200 miles of the Co-op. We partner with sustainable, local farms and businesses to provide our community with the freshest, most nutritious and delicious whole foods in our area.
LOCAL FARMS LOCAL BUSINESSE S
152 55 view the full Local List at www.commonmarket.coop/shop/local-starts-here LBS OF CARDBOARD
211,315 LBS OF MIXED MATERIALS
1,334 LBS OF BATTERIES
3,877 LBS OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS
868 OF EVERY $1 SPENT AT THE CO-OP STAYED IN OUR COMMUNITY! THIS YEAR, 41¢
Always Improving
Here are just a few of our many improvements in 2024!
WIC Certification
The Common Market 7th Street was recently approved to accept WIC– the USDA sponsored Women, Infant, Children program providing supplemental & healthy foods to women and children under the age of 5. Shoppers should look for the WIC tag to shop eligible items and present their WIC card to the cashier to begin the transaction. Cashiers also have the ability to look up WIC balances for your convenience and sales staff on the floor are happy to help new customers find items, so be sure to ask! Both stores require separate approval, so currently, WIC is only available the 7th Street store, but the Route 85 store is beginning the approval process and we’ll let the community know when that approval comes through.
Cafe Menu Updates and New Offerings
This past summer, our Cafés updated their madeto-order sandwich and breakfast menus to focus on unique, house-made proteins and locally baked bread. In addition to new sandwiches, you can now order a delicious, freshly made grain bowl at our 7th Street store or a flavorful
smoothie bowl at Route 85. Our bakery team has also been stepping it up with new house-made hand pies, seasonal eclairs, and coffee cake!
More Sales Throughout the Store
Save more on shopping trips thanks to more frequent mark-downs on all your favorites! This year, the Co-op has implemented more flash sales on fresh produce and meats as well as bigger savings reserved specifically for Owners. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly e-mails, which contain current sales flyers and a selection of deals from each department.
Route 85 Reset
Re-learning your grocery store's layout can be frustrating, but it seems as though our recent Route store update went off without a hitch! Our Co-op team members, along with some dedicated staff from the NCG (National Co-op Grocers), worked late into the night to make your shopping experience more streamlined. Route 85 shoppers will be happy to know that there are more updates in the future, including new lighting, Café improvements, and more!
Ownership
Owners are the foundation of our cooperative. Meeting our Owners’ needs is the reason for the co-op’s existence. The more Owners use the co-op’s services, the stronger the organization becomes. The stronger the cooperative, the more competitive it can be in the marketplace and impactful it can be to the community.
9,382
TOTAL Co-op Owners
394
NEW Owners
52%
Percentage of sales to Owners
121
Total number of Employee-Owners
7
Number of Owners who ran for the Board
Every quarter, Owners choose four non-profits to support through our Bring-a-Bag for Change program. These non-profits represent the categories of Kids, Environment, Animals, and Community. Shoppers raise money for these charities each time they bring a reusable bag for shopping. The total contribution, combined with a portion of our sales from a given day, is split evenly amongst the four local charities.
172,840
Total bags saved from the landfill in FY '24
$14,242
Total raised for local non profits in FY '24
$243,639
Total raised since FY '07
Staff Wages & Benefits
Hiring & Promotions
With this year's growth, The Common Market continues to add more jobs to the local economy, and internal promotions are continuing. We currently have 163 employees!
401K Program
This year, the Co-op implemented a 401K program as a benefit to employees who wish to save for retirement. The Co-op offers a 2% match, with room for flexibility based on the profitability of the Co-op.
Our current starting wage is $16.50/hr.
The current minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00/hr.
The livable wage for a one-bedroom apartment in the Frederick County area is $24.74/hr.
Our TripleBottom Line
The Common Market is a valuesbased business with a triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. This means we take into account our social and environmental impacts in addition to measuring financial success. We strive to give back to the community without depleting the planet’s resources.
The Ends
The Common Market Co-op operates in order to achieve 4 Ends. Those ends are as follows, with a few quick highlights from the past year:
A prosperous, just, and vibrant local food economy. (In FY 2024 we had a total of 207 local partnerships, with an average of $0.41 per consumer dollar staying in the community!)
An economically successful and growing business operated on the model of cooperative ownership. (An average of 1,831 shoppers came through our doors each day in 2024 - an increase of 7% over FY 2023!)
A community whose members are educated about food, health and wellness choices, about social and environmental issues in food production, and about the value of cooperatives as an alternative business model. (In FY 2024, The Common Market sold $4,402,149 in healthy produce alone to our community!)
A model for the use of environmental resources that is increasingly sustainable in the products we sell, the business we operate, and the practices we promote and support in the larger community. (Our recycling program is great; last year we recycled 1,334 pounds of waste through the Terracycle program and composted 49,694 lbs of waste through Key City Compost. Additionally, our electric vehicle charging stations reduced 20,637 pounds of CO2 and saved 3,930 gallons of gasoline!!)
Meet Our New Board Members
Alison Wexler Director
Jaime McKay Director
Nina Carr Director
Tim Roberts Board-Staff Liaison
Visit our Board of Directors page at www.commonmarket.coop/about/board-of-directors
All are welcome to attend monthly Board meetings.
On an unseasonably warm and sunny fall afternoon, a group of Co-operators including Owners, Board, Staff and Vendors gathered at the Route 85 store to celebrate the cooperative model of business and participate in our Annual Meeting of the Board. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather together and hear about all things Common Market; how we are building on past successes to continue strong into the future. The celebration of our 50th Anniversary in August was exciting, but being able to announce the return of a patronage rebate this year was impressive. Thanks to the support of our dedicated Owners, Staff, Board and Customers in the Frederick Community, we are Stronger Together! The more we support our Co-op, the more the Common Market is able to support local farmers, businesses, growers and makers! Huge thanks go to our Admin & Marketing team for helping with event execution and sourcing vendor samples – you all love trying before buying! The Café department lead by Briar and Wren, and Bakery team
lead by Anthony, outdid themselves with menu planning and prep, cooking, baking and serving a buffet that pleased everyone from vegan to carnivore with Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili and corn bread featured. And most importantly, to our loyal Common Market Owners, supporters and customers – you are the reason we come to work every day, and for that we are thankful!
Thank you to our local vendor and Community Partner participants:
Continuum Coffee, Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverages, Matet's Kitchen, Zenjoy, Rustic Route Coffee, Bitchin' Boucha Kombucha, Mocktail Club, My Dad's Chips, Wizzie's Tea, McLaughlin Family Chiropractic, Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter, Sweet Maddies Cookies on Demand, South Mountain Creamery, Tasty Orchard, Pixie Dust Creations (face painting), Steele Imaging (photobooth), and The Chicks (live music).
Photographs by Aúrea Calori Photography
Thanksgiving Planner
Tasty Traditions
Host a holiday feast with Thanksgiving favorites from our Café!
Stu ng
Traditional Gravy
Mushroom Gravy
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Butternut Squash Pasta
Green Bean Casserole
Mac & Cheese
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
How Much Food Do I Need?
Use this c har t to help c hoose the r ight amount of food for your Thanksgiving celebration.
CLASSES & EVENTS
Visit www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events for the most up-to-date list and full descriptions.
ENVIRONMENT
COOKING
Learn more about cooking techniques and experiment with fresh, new ingredients.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Obtain the knowledge that can help restore balance to your body & mind.
Holiday Food Tastings
Cultivate awareness and engage in the topics of local and global preservation.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Get creative, express yourself and learn new skills.
November
Saturday, November 2 @ Route 85 | 12 - 3PM
Saturday, November 9 @ 7th Street | 12 - 3PM FREE
You're inited to sample our house-prepared sides and desserts available for preorder! Stop by and enjoy free samples from 12 - 2PM.
Grow Your Own Gourmet Mushrooms
Saturday, November 2 | 2:30 - 4PM
@ The Judd Homestead
$65
In the workshop we will cover how to inoculate stumps, logs, wood chips, and burlap sacks while improving your garden ecology. In this interactive class you will learn the types of outdoor mushrooms that we can easily grow in our area, the conditions required and the tools you will need. The best part is the hands-on experience of inoculating a mushroom log that you get to take home!
Supporting Optimal Thyroid Functioning with Cara Dodson Wellness
Monday, November 11 | 4 - 5:30PM @ 7th Street Community Room
$50 ($25 for Owners)
The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in the body. In fact, it touches almost every single cell and can influence each organ’s functioning. For this reason, it’s essential to support healthy thyroid functioning in order to achieve optimal health. In this course, you’ll learn about the different root causes of dysfunction, how to investigate and assess your thyroid functioning, understand how specific nutrition and minerals support or hinder thyroid functioning, all about light and its impact on the thyroid, and how to implement simple strategies on your own to support your thyroid.
BACKYARD AGRICULTURE
For the first-time gardener or avid green thumb to explore the potential in one's own backyard.
EVENT
Exciting happenings at the co-op and around town.
Ten Tons of Textiles! Textile Recycling Event
Friday, November 15 | 1 - 6PM
@ Both Common Market Locations
Start cleaning out those closets - our Textile Recycling Event is back! Last time, we collected 6,935 POUNDS of textiles to be recycled in collaboration with Helpsy and The Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling - now, we're going for even more!
Harmony in Healing: Monthly Homeopathy Exploration
Tuesday, November 19 | 4 - 5:45PM
@ 7th Street Community Room
FREE | Drop-ins Welcome
Unlock the secrets of holistic healing! Join our Monthly Homeopathy Study Group – a vibrant community where curiosity meets knowledge. Dive deep into the world of natural wellness as we explore the principles of homeopathy, share insights, and empower each other on our journey to optimal health. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your holistic adventure, our study group is the perfect place to discover the transformative power of homeopathy.
Queer Art Social
Thursday, November 21 | 4 - 5PM
@ 7th Street Community Room
FREE | Please RSVP
Calling all Queer creatives!!!! Come paint, draw, create, make and mingle every third Thursday of the month in our Community Room! Bring something you are working on and or start a new project! You do not have to be a visual artist to attend, all forms of creating are welcome! This is a FREE dropin social gathering! Music, sparkly drinks, tea and limited art supplies will be provided.
Don't miss out! Be sure to check our online calendar for the most up-to-date class list.
Friday, November 15th, MARK YOUR CALENDARS because it's America Recycles Day! To celebrate, we are going to collect TEN TONS OF TEXTILES!!!
That's more than the weight of an African Bush Elephant!!!
When: November 15th, 1 PM-6 PM
Where: Drop-off at either Common Market Co-op location.
What: Textiles, such as clothes, towels, sheets, stuffed animals, etc. Scan the QR code for an extensive list of accepted items.
How: Please bag all materials!
Then what?!: Once your textiles are collected, our contracted partner Helpsy will collect the items and sort them. Some items are then sold for resale or donation organizations. Other non-usable items are sorted further, non usable items can be remade into new clothes, insulation and other similar products. Helpsy works to find buyers both domestic and international.
To find out more visit www.helpsy.com.
scan for list of accepted items
Winter Clothing Swap!
Tuesday, December 17 | 12 - 3PM
@ 7th Street Community Room
Join us for our Winter Clothing Swap and make a positive impact on the environment while connecting with your neighbors. Let’s come together to share, reuse, and celebrate our community’s commitment to sustainability. Bring gently worn clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition to swap!
Harmony in Healing: Monthly Homeopathy Exploration
Tuesday, December 17 | 4 - 5:45PM
@ 7th Street Community Room
FREE | Drop-ins Welcome
December Board Meetings
Unlock the secrets of holistic healing! Join our Monthly Homeopathy Study Group – a vibrant community where curiosity meets knowledge. Dive deep into the world of natural wellness as we explore the principles of homeopathy, share insights, and empower each other on our journey to optimal health. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your holistic adventure, our study group is the perfect place to discover the transformative power of homeopathy.
Queer Art Social
Thursday, December 19 | 4 - 5PM
@ 7th Street Community Room
FREE | Please RSVP
Calling all Queer creatives!!!! Come paint, draw, create, make and mingle every third Thursday of the month in our Community Room! Bring something you are working on and or start a new project! You do not have to be a visual artist to attend, all forms of creating are welcome! This is a FREE dropin social gathering! Music, sparkly drinks, tea and limited art supplies will be provided.
The Common Market Board of Directors meets monthly via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. To join a meeting, please click on the ZOOM link provided on the Board of Directors page of the Common Market website. Scan the code for more info.
What's New at the Market? A Few Fresh
Finds at the Co-op!
1. Nixie Zero Sugar Soda
Crafted by Nixie, this soda offers the classic cola taste without the guilt of added sugars. Made with organic ingredients, it provides a crisp and satisfying experience with every sip. Perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional sodas, this zero sugar option doesn't compromise on flavor or quality.
2. Taharka Brothers Ice Cream
Taharka Brothers, an employee-owned company, is widely known for their unique social mission, focused on creating an impactful, profitable business managed and operated by young adults from some of Baltimore’s most troubled neighborhoods, and for serving up classic flavors along with constantly evolving roster of delightful, small-batch ice cream flavors!
3. Legally Addictive Cookies
Salty, sweet, chocolatey and crunchy. Made with a crispy combination of a cracker, salted handmade toffee, sustainably sourced chocolate and topped with sea salt.
4. Coro Artisan Meats
Made with all-natural U.S. pork, never treated with antibiotics, these bold and unique salami flavors will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for charcuterie platters, sandwiches, or snacking on the go.
5. The Fine Cheese Co. Toast For Cheese Crackers
This cracker is so thin, light and crisp, but what makes it unique is that around 60% of the cracker is composed of fruits, nuts and seeds. Making it oh so fruity, oh so nutty and oh so - well ‘seedy’! Perfect with cheese, vegetable tapenades, or paté.
Support the FFOCAS mission of helping local homeless pets by entering the Free Groceries for a Year Raffle! By entering, you stand a chance to win this amazing prize valued at $6,000 to be spent at either Common Market location. Scan the QR code above to get your tickets!
Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter (FFOCAS) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting and facilitating efforts by their partner shelter, Frederick County Animal Control (FCAC), to save the lives of pets in Frederick County.
Shopper Reviews
Clean store with helpful and friendly staff. The hot bar food could rival that of a 5-star restaurant.
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Key P.
I enjoy the experience at the Common Market, the high quality food, the helpful staff, the layout of the store, and most of all the wide choice of appealing and nutritious local organic produce.
