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
Erin Shea
Back-to-School Packed Lunch Tips

Back to School Special: Pack Better Bag Lunches

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.