Laura Marsh
2025 Change Recipients

The Merc Co+op is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Change for our Community program. “Change” gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization.

Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised over $700,000 for local nonprofits. 

2025 Change Recipients
Erin Shea
GM Updates — October 2024

The Merc Co+op is celebrating 50 years in grocery this fall and, and we hope you join us for the festivities coming up, which include our Board of Directors serving cake this Saturday in Lawrence and Sunday in KCK, local and Fair-Trade samples, and an open house event at the Watkins Museum of History. While looking back at the evolution of our co-op through the years, we also look ahead at the current changes underway. As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re excited to share updates on the final phases of our renovation project and the installation of our new coolers.

GM Updates — October 2024
Laura Marsh
Ready for Reusables — Plastic Bag Ban takes ...

The Lawrence plastic bag ban takes effect tomorrow. The Merc Co+op removed plastic bags from our registers in 2013, and the paper bags we provide are 60% post-consumer recycled material - in other words, it’s business as usual. We appreciate this step our Lawrence government is taking to encourage a more sustainable future!

Ready for Reusables — Plastic Bag Ban takes effect tomorrow in Lawrence
Laura Marsh
2024 Change Recipients Announcement

The Merc Co+op is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Change for our Community program. “Change” gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization.

In fiscal year 2022, we - as a co-op community - raised $85,484. Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised over $601,000 for 57 local nonprofits. 

2024 Change Recipients Announcement
Laura Marsh
Fairtrade Mural Coming to Lawrence Store

October is Fair Trade Month, and Fairtrade America is launching their fourth annual campaign to generate broader awareness Fairtrade certified products.  This year, The Merc Co+op’s Lawrence store was selected! Mural installation begins the week of September 11.

Fairtrade Mural Coming to Lawrence Store

Easy Gift Ideas — DIY Lip Balm and More!

Handmade Holidays

Delight someone special with a homemade gift!

There is nothing like the proud thrill of a successful DIY project. This holiday season, whip up your own nourishing body care products to gift (or keep!) like lip balm, lotion bars, body scrubs, face masks and more.

DIY Lip Balm

Surprisingly simple to make, lip balm is also a cinch to customize with essential oils for endless scent combinations. In a matter of minutes, you can craft a few tubes to give as gifts (and one to keep for pampering yourself). What makes DIY lip balm so great? Not only can you make it just the way you like it, you can control the ingredients and use simple, natural ones — no petroleum found here! A local craft store is a good place to look for tins and tubes to hold the finished product. To make the balm, follow this general recipe, and customize to your tastes from there. We’ve included a few of our favorite scent combos for inspiration.

LIP Balm Recipe

Makes four ½ oz. tubes

  • 1 tablespoon beeswax pearls (or grated, unbleached beeswax)

  • 1 tablespoon shea butter

  • 2 tablespoons carrier oil (sunflower, castor, almond or jojoba)

  • 10 – 15 drops essential oil

  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions

  1. Melt beeswax, shea butter and oil together in a small bowl in the microwave, or use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.

  2. Stir until ingredients are liquid, then add essential oils and optional honey. Mix well.

  3. Transfer to a large eyedropper, syringe, or container with a spout, and divide liquid among four ½ ounce lip balm tins, jars or tubes.

 

More DIY Gift Ideas and Recipes for the Holidays

2025 Change Recipients

2025 Change Recipients

The Merc Co+op is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Change for our Community program. “Change” gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization.

Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised over $700,000 for local nonprofits. 

Winter Squash

Cooking: A classic way to prepare winter squash is to cut it in half and bake until the skin is easily pierced with a fork. Squash skin is edible, but may not be texturally pleasing, with the exception of soft-skinned squashes like delicata.

Storing: Winter squash can be stored for up to 6 months in a dry and cool (50–55 degrees) location. Squash can be frozen after cooking.

Nutrition: Winter squash is high in Vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber and potassium.

Don’t forget the seeds! Squash seeds can be roasted for a snack.

View squash recipes and ideas.

Download an info sheet to print!

GM Updates — October 2024

GM Updates — October 2024

The Merc Co+op is celebrating 50 years in grocery this fall and, and we hope you join us for the festivities coming up, which include our Board of Directors serving cake this Saturday in Lawrence and Sunday in KCK, local and Fair-Trade samples, and an open house event at the Watkins Museum of History. While looking back at the evolution of our co-op through the years, we also look ahead at the current changes underway. As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re excited to share updates on the final phases of our renovation project and the installation of our new coolers.

Quick Pickles, Three Ways

Quick Pickles, Three Ways

Seasonal recipes from your co-op. Whether you’re looking to use up those last couple cucumbers before they go to waste, or you need inspiration to make the most of your garden abundance this fall - this versatile quick pickle recipe is for you! Start with a simple base of cider vinegar, sugar and spices + make each batch unique with a few additions!

GM Updates - July 2024

GM Updates - July 2024

We are gearing up for the final phase of our renovations, which includes an expansion of our refrigeration system at the Lawrence location. These updates support the growth of our high-performing categories such as produce, frozen foods, dairy, bakery, specialty cheese and deli grab-and-go meal solutions. By analyzing sales and product data, customer feedback, cost of goods, labor and operating costs as well as considering external factors like the pandemic and inflation, we identify both successful programs and those that are struggling. The co-op must remain agile as a business and respond to that data to secure the long-term health of our stores.

After July 12, the co-op will no longer offer a buffet-style lunch and dinner menu. Breakfast burritos, hot soups, salad bar, grab-and-go meal solutions, made-to-order sandwiches and roast chickens will continue to be available.