There's Still Time to Become a Member!

We're in the last stages of getting everything ready to open Local Roots Market in early November. But we're still missing something absolutely critical to the success of our business:

YOU!

We invite you to become a member of Wooster Local Foods Cooperative, Inc. (if you haven't already). We've made it easy: all the information about membership is available online, with a simple one-page membership agreement.

Memberships cost $50 for one year ($25 for students with valid ID), and if you sign up now, that year won't begin until we open. Lifetime memberships are available at the $1,000 level. (We are still accepting volunteer members -- 5 hours gets you a year's membership -- but we really do need the money to cover the cooperative's operations.)

What benefits do you get from your membership?

--A share in the year-end profit distribution at the co-op
--Use of the online order system
--Reduced or free admission to events and workshops

But there are deeper benefits, too: you can take an active part in revitalizing the local economy, in supporting local agriculture, and in bringing healthier and more nutritious food to your family's table.

If you think, as we do, that there are serious problems with our food system in America today, here's your chance to become part of the solution!

Won't you join us and help us grow Local Roots?

Kudos to Mackenzie Creamery!

One of our new producer members, Mackenzie Creamery of Hiram, OH, creates a variety of delicious goat cheeses made from local goat's milk. The Creamery's cheeses have won awards and will be featured at the upcoming "Earth to Table" event at the Culinary Vegetable Institute in Milan on September 26.

The event's menu will also feature Scandinavian-inspired dishes made from local foods by Icelandic chef Einar Gustavsson, with Mackenzie Creamery cheeses adding that extra little touch of savory elegance.

The event begins at 6:30 and costs $65 per person. Call (419) 499-7500 for more information or for reservations.

Once Local Roots opens its doors for business, you'll be able to find a selection of Mackenzie Creamery cheeses here, too, and you'll be inspired to create your own gourmet meal.

Congratulations to Mackenzie Creamery!

NOTE to all producer members: Got special news you'd like to share about your farm or your products? Email us at news (AT) localrootswooster (DOT) com!

Local Roots at the Wayne County Fair

A big thank to the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network for sharing some of their booth space with us this year at the Wayne County Fair!

Steering Committee member, Jen Hugon, talks to fair goers about Local Roots. (photo by Paul Hugon)

Jodi Robinson, a WCSEN member, was generous in providing us with some beautiful imagery of award winning produce at this year's fair. Thank you Jodi!





Have photos of local food you would like to share? Send us an email! Happy eating!

Volunteers for Marketing

If you missed our August 31 community meeting but wanted an opportunity to help us spread the word about Local Roots, here's your chance!

We invite you to meet with us at the Market (at 140 S. Walnut St., Wooster) on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:00 PM to discuss and sign up for helping with specific marketing-related tasks including website, writing projects, promotion, event planning and more.

Please RSVP and let us know if you will be able to attend. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, feel free to send us an email at news (AT) localrootswooster (DOT) com!

We look forward to seeing you!
The Local Roots Marketing Team
Jessica Barkheimer
Jen Hugon
Jennifer McMullen

Fair Weather, Friends!

The Wayne County Fair -- billed as Ohio's premier agricultural fair -- starts today and runs through next Thursday, September 17. Amid all the fun and fried food on the main routes through the fairgrounds, you'll also find the barns where local 4-H members display the results of their hard work, from cooking projects to animal husbandry.

And along with this tribute to our rich agricultural region, you'll also find Local Roots represented at the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network tent, across from the Junior Fair goat and poultry barns. (Hey, location, location, location, right?)

Come and say hello! Pick up a brochure or any of our other flyers, and let us know that you're interested in learning more about supporting local agriculture and local foods.

See you at the Fair!

Community Meeting a Success!

Thanks to everyone who attended our community information meeting last evening! We appreciate the enthusiasm and ideas you brought to share with us.


Thanks to all the equipment contributions we've received from Buehler's and to all the colorful and delicious produce shared by steering committee members Monica Bongue and Bill Boyer (with additional produce from Weaver Truck Patch), the displays we set up in the front windows can give you an idea of how we hope the market will look once we're up and running.


We were very pleased with the turnout -- well over 80 interested people -- as well as with the number of volunteers who signed up to help with construction, painting, marketing, and staffing the pickup days. We'll get back to you very soon to let you know about work days at the market so that you can get your volunteer hours counted.

Among the handouts we had available for attendees were the September newsletter (PDF) and a list of potential events for the market. As always, if you have ideas, please drop us an email to share them!:

--To share news, articles, or ideas, email news AT localrootswooster DOT com
--To help plan events, email events AT localrootswooster DOT com


In the meantime, stop by your local farmers' market and find out if your favorite producers will be selling at Local Roots this winter. We're always happy to bring new producers on board!