FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You ask, we answer!

• Q. Where do I find the Co-op?
  A. Wednesdays 9am-6:30pm : Grace Lutheran Church - 2515 Waugh Street
  
• Q. Why should I buy organic?
  A. Organic food is grown using methods that can be sustained over time. In other words, the production of organic fruits and vegetables keeps pace with the ability an agricultural ecosystem to replenish itself. Industrial farming methods may yield cheap produce, but there are many hidden costs to the environment and to the health of the public. We will all pay for the difference in price down the line. So, our choice to support organic agriculture makes positive ripples on many levels:

  Myself: Organic food is nutritious and mouth-wateringly delicious!
  Others: By eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides, organic farming methods prevent many work-related illness and injuries for agricultural workers and their families.
  
  Our ecosystem: By purchasing organic, you are protecting watersheds, restoring topsoil, and caring for health of all the other creatures who share this planet with you - two legged, four-legged, freckled and finned!

• Q. What is the mission of Central City Co-Op?
  A. Our mission is to provide fresh organic produce to the Houston community at an affordable price. Want more info? You can read our Mission Statement online.
• Q. Are there volunteer opportunities on the weekends or in the evening? I work during the days, so would have a hard time getting in hours during the week.
  A. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, though we encourage new members of our community to begin in the market on Wednesdays. Learn more about becoming a volunteer.
• Q. Is there a membership fee for joining the Co-Op? If so, how much?
  A. This year we have incorporated a formal membership requirement. There are three options and I think you will agree that one of these is bound to work for most everybody. First, you could pay the straight annual membership for $48. Second, you could volunteer 18 hours with the co-op, thereby earning your membership with 'sweat equity'. Third, you can purchase a Dollar Day Pass every time you want make your organic food purchases at Central City Co-op.Visit our membership page to learn more
• Q. I am visiting Houston area over the 4th of July and want to purchase food from your coop. What are your daily hours? Your website appears as if you are only open Wed and Sat. Please email me back your store hours.
  A. It’s true, we are only open on Wednesday, 9am-6:30pm, and Sunday, 12-4pm. You see most of the work of running our co-operative is done by volunteers. It would take many more volunteers to be open more days, not to mention some serious cool storage. As it is, most of our lovely, organic vegetables are delivered to us and disbursed through the community in the same day!
• Q. Where do we see the veggies that will come in the Gundermann shares? I see the mixed, the fruit, and other fruits and veggies available on the Fresh Produce This Week page, but no Gundermann info.
  A. Thanks for your question! You don’t see the listing because we do not have one. I compare the Gundermann shares to birthday presents, always a surprise. They are packed on the Gundermann’s farm with whatever is freshest in the fields. We usually have one or two extra on Wednesday mornings, so you can peek inside to get an idea of the type of crops that are coming in. Gundermann shares are a great way to stay in tune with the land - you always get what's growing right now.
• Q: I can not figure out whether I could place an order for exactly the veggies I would need for a week vs. ordering a box that comes pre-packed with some things that I wouldn't need. Do you know if its possible to shop this way?
  A: At our Wednesday Grace Lutheran location and at Discovery Green on Sundays, we maintain an open market section where you are able to pick and choose according to your particular wants and needs. Also in your share, we allow you to trade out items you won’t use for other vegetables of equal value. The particulars vary by the co-op location.
• Q: Can you pay and place your order at a location besides Grace Lutheran?
  A: Yes. You can purchase your share on Wednesdays at Grace Lutheran, or Sundays at Discovery Green. Additionallly, you may place an order online if you do so by 4 Sunday evening.
• Q. What exactly is a co-op? Why is it important and how do they work?
  A. From the dictionary: Done in cooperation with others: a cooperative effort. Marked by willingness to cooperate; compliant: a cooperative patient. Of, relating to, or formed as an enterprise or organization jointly owned or managed by those who use its facilities or services: a cooperative department store; cooperative apartment buildings. An enterprise or organization that is owned or managed jointly by those who use its facilities or services.
  
  A: From Central City: a co-op is a community of people interested in working together to their mutual benefit. Our co-operative members are interested in having the freshest, organic produce available and at a reasonable prices. We purchase in the largest quantities possible and divide amongst Our members in the form of shares or through a market setting.
  
  It is important for all of us to have the best produce, both from local growers and national distributors. we also believe that produce should be grown with the highest integrity and sustainable practice known. by buying in quantity, we are able to pass savings on to Our members. a share is a pre-paid order for a certain amount of produce each week: a local harvest share, mixed fruit and vegetable share, or a fruit share.
  
  Folks show their investment in the community by buying a membership - either a yearly membership OR a day pass and then they either order weekly shares OR purchase from Our market. There is an additional savings if shares are ordered.
• Q: What about organic meat?
  A: CCC only carries produce and products from plants.
• Q: How do I start my own farmers market?
  A: Learn what it takes start a farmer's market in the city of Houston. This is not a simple thing to do, and it can be EXTREMELY expensive to start up. [ learn more ]
  

RESOURCE LINKS HERE?

Become a Partner Click here
to learn more about our Partnership program

Meet the Board. Click here if you'd like to meet our 2009 Board Members

Want to Volunteer? We'd love to have your help! There are many opportunities available.

Have more questions?
We have answers!
Email info@centralcityco-op.com