CMEF - School Garden Projects
Growing Food, Growing Health is an initiative spearheaded by CMEF to bring local food into our community schools.
Community Mercantile Education Foundation (CMEF), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, was established in 1999 for the purpose of extending the educational outreach being done by our sister organization, Community Mercantile Co-op. Donations from private individuals and funding from grants have allowed CMEF to provide nutrition education that promotes personal health and well being, strengthens our community, and supports sustainable and local food systems.
Our Commitment to Community Includes:
The 2nd annual Running for Food, Running for Health 5K Fundraising Run is coming up on July 27 at 7am. There are so many reasons to participate. Mainly, why not? Here are some common thoughts on why you might be reluctant to sign up -- a...
A Seed is Planted
Since it opened in 1974 the Community Mercantile Coop has always been dedicated to its community – to serve as more than a grocery store. The Merc is a community source for education on sustainable food systems and healthy living.
In 1999 that commitment was formalized with the establishment of Community Mercantile Education Foundation (CMEF) as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. CMEF’s goal is to further the education and outreach of our sister organization, Community Mercantile Coop, by providing nutrition education that promotes personal health and well being, strengthens our community and supports sustainable and local food systems.
An Idea Sprouts
CMEF received USDA funding in 2000 for a three-year project called “Local Food to Local People, Expanding a Regional Food System Through Nutrition Education”. That project laid the groundwork for what has evolved today into a growing school garden effort in our community.
From 2004 through 2010 CMEF worked collaboratively with the social service agency Van Go Arts and their summer JAMS program (Jobs in the Arts Make Sense) to bring fresh, local food to youth involved in an eight-week summer job-training program. The program, Locally Grown JAMS, provided much of the inspiration and experience CMEF needed to grow to the next level.
A School Garden Grows
In 2010, the Growing Food, Growing West (GFGW) Garden project was established with financial help from a LiveWell Lawrence grant and a generous donation from Community Mercantile Coop.
In its first year the Garden captured the attention of our community and drew hundreds of students and visitors to visit and study in this living, outdoor classroom. Over ½ ton of produce was harvested from the Garden in its first year, 280 pounds of which went directly into the school cafeteria for all West students to enjoy. The remainder was sold at an on-site student-run Farmers’ Market which has helped raise funds to sustain the garden in years to come.
Growing Food, Growing West exceeded our dreams in its first year. The GFGW Project:
•Stimulated discussions across our community about the importance of making fresh, locally grown foods available to our school children
• Created school pride and excitement
• Increased students’ knowledge and acceptance of healthy, locally grown vegetables resulting in increased consumption of these foods
• Created opportunities for students to teach each other about how delicious fresh produce is and for students to communicate their garden experiences to the community through various media including blogging and writing about it on Well Commons, preparing a community dinner and participating in the Kaw Valley Farm Tour
• Provided leadership development and job training for six West students employed by Community Mercantile Coop to be West Garden stewards.
Blooming Across the Community
In 2011, we’re expanding to neighboring Hillcrest Elementary and Sunset Hill Elementary schools. We will continue to expand the West Garden as well as plant a small garden in front of the Merc. We will also be growing larger quantities of crops at a satellite farm location just south of town with the goal of being able to sell produce to the Merc.
Stop by The Merc's Deli counter for made-to-order sandwiches (hot and cold),salads, soups and fresh smoothies, coffee or espresso drinks.
M-F
M-SatOur pizzas are available our scratch-made crust or a gluten-free crust, all topped with fresh ingredients - local and organic whenever possible. Every week our staff chooses two topping combinations to be our Pizzas of the Week, so check back regularly to see the options!
M-SatNo information available.
Stop by and we will make you a sandwich made to order using our finest meats and cheeses that we also sell for you to take and make at home. Our choose one of our classic Merc Specialty Sandwiches.
Our salad bar is fresh daily with all of the fixings you'll want. We even make our own salad dressings in house.
If you are on the go or just want something easy for dinner tonight. Grab a favorite today!
Yes, you read that right. The Merc Bakery is making personal sized fruit pies to help get you through the glorious days of summer. They are the perfect size to share with your best friend, or just keep it all to yourself! Perfect for a summertime picnic, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The flavors will rotate throughout the summer, but the price will always stay at $4.49!
It's available now in The Merc Bakery. Stop on in and grab yourself a slice!
Co-op Calendar events are listed below. To view all Merc events, click on the View Full Calendar link.
7-9pm
Rice is the perfect summer food - cook ahead and use it to make so many cool dishes. Explore the wide variety of rice in the Merc's Bulk Department to make delicious and nutritious dishes for every meal, including Brown Rice with Nuts and Raisins; Collard Leaf Rice and Bean Wraps made with Brown Mekong Flower and Madagascar Pink Rice. You'll also enjoy the national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese with Red Rice) and end with Black Sticky Rice Pudding with Coconut. Rice is so nice.
Taught by: Hilary Kass, MPH
Location: The Merc's Community Classroom
Cost: $18.00 per person
7-9pm
It is such fun to make your own sushi, and even easier without the fish. As you munch on steamed Edamame (green soybeans - so delicious) we'll prepare Perfect Sushi Rice and use it to assemble a variety of rolls. You'll sample Shiso Leaf and Umeboshi Plum Roll; Asparagus and Cream Cheese Roll with Omelet; Miso Eggplant Rolls with Tofu; and Spicy Avocado Rolls. Wow! We'll top it all off with a surprise sweet!
Taught by: Chef Nancy Stark
Location: The Merc's Community Classroom
Cost: $20.00 per person
6-7pm
We'll spread out the checked tablecloths and have a picnic in the Classroom - no weather issues and no ants, just great picnic food ideas! You'll enjoy Hilary's Eat Well Veggie Burgers (locally made) served on Farm to Market Buns with all the trimmings. We'll whip up some Festive Cous Cous Salad and Potato Salad with Green Beans & Cukes to round out the picnic, and finish with Tofutti Cuties for dessert. You'll get to take home a package of Hilary's burgers for your own picnic at home. Fun! *This is a mini class.
Taught by: Nancy O'Connor, MS Ed
Location: The Merc's Community Classroom
Cost: $5.00 per person
7-9pm
Let's celebrate the fruits of summer with a fabulous class from Chef Paige featuring her favorite fruit desserts. You will enjoy the loveliest selection of desserts including: Apricot Custard Tart with Almonds; fresh Blueberry Buckle; Raspberry-Rhubarb Streusel Pie; and Peaches Foster with Butter Pecan Ice Cream. We'll put on the tea and coffee and try to keep you anchored in this heavenly class.
Taught by: Chef Paige Vandegrift
Location: The Merc's Community Classroom
Cost: $20.00 per person
2-3:30pm
Young, budding chefs - join Lily for a fun shopping, cooking, and eating extravaganza at The Merc! We will start with a tour of the store, picking out delicious ingredients for our South of the Border Feast. Next, the class will work together to create Bean, Cheese, and Veggie Quesadillas; Black Bean and Quinoa Salad; and Mango Smoothies. Finally, participants will enjoy their homemade, satisfying meal around a table with new friends. This is a hands-on class for kids only, ages 7-11. *Class size is limited to 14.
Taught by: Lily Siebert
Location: The Merc's Community Classroom
Cost: $20.00 per person