As a long-time member of the Common Ground Food Co-op, I was honored to be a part of history as the new store opened August 23 at their new location in Lincoln Square Village.

As the doors opened at 8 a.m., a stream of people quickly turned into a deluge wanting to see and shop at the new store. All told, over 2,000 people visited on this hot, sunny day to see the largest new development in downtown Urbana. We were packed to the gills, and I couldn’t be happier with the community’s support and interest in the Co-op.

With shelves stocked full of delicious produce, bulk and packaged items, frozen goodies, a large dairy section, home and personal care products, shoppers can find just about anything they need at the Common Ground Food Co-op. They even have a deli serving soups, salads and sandwiches.

In addition to a wide variety, the store has convenient hours (8 a.m.-8 p.m. every day), a super location (east side of Lincoln Square Village), easy access from multiple bus lines, ample parking and access from both inside and outside the mall.

I congratulate the staff and board of the Co-op for their vision, hard work and dedication to making this project happen. It is a huge asset for our entire community, and I invite everyone to come by the new Common Ground Food Co-op and see what the excitement is all about!

Laura Huth

Champaign