It’s been a busy season for The Mustard Seed as we move into Fall. Our first Summer as an open, operating store was extremely exciting! We met so many amazing customers, we saw fresh, local products arrive nearly every day, and we received a lot of great support, encouragement, and feedback from you: our friends, members, and fans. One small thing we’ve learned is that many of you really appreciate receiving updates by email, so we’re going to make that a priority going forward. Click here if you’d like to receive updates by email, and we’ll make sure you’re on the list! We want to make sure you have all the info you need to engage with your local grocery co-op in all the ways you’d like to! Here’s a peek at what is going on these days…
Date: Sunday, October 26th, 2014
Location: Under The Mustard Seed canopy
(460 York Blvd, Hamilton; in the basement, in case of rain)
Cost: Free!
- Pumpkins will be available at a special price of $3.49, or you can bring your own.
- All ages are welcome, but children under the age of twelve must be accompanied by an adult.
- If you’re able, please bring your own carving tools, as we will only have a limited number on hand.
- Mulled apple cider, caramel corn, tea, and coffee will be available at a special price.
- Prizes will be awarded for the scariest and most artistic pumpkins!
A Night of Conversation with Farmers & Producers
Date: Wednesday, November 19th, 2014
Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Staircase Theatre (27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton)
We’ll be sitting down with some of our farmers and producers to answer your questions! Join us, as we hear stories from the fields, discuss cost/affordability, examine the complexities of the local food system, and ask the question “why does local food matter?”
More details to be announced, but please save the date!
Do you want to work at The Mustard Seed?
We’ve got two openings for Part Time Retail Sales Clerks! Applications are due on October 29th – check out all the info here and please spread the word!
We’re sorry to say it, but the days are getting shorter and colder! We’ve got some new store hours to accommodate the Fall and Winter hibernation that’s sure to set in very soon. Effective today (October 14th), we’ll now be open:
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00pm – 5:00pm
Did you take our survey?
Our first annual member survey had over 550 respondents – thank you to everyone who took the time to give us your feedback! After our first eight months of operations, your input is helping shape The Mustard Seed.
We have already started working on improving our product selection in areas you suggested. Have you tried any of the new Ontario cheeses that have arrived? We are also now stocking fresh local fish every Friday from Ontario aquaculture fisheries and responsible wild-caught suppliers.
Many of your comments recognized the challenge of balancing our co-op values: paying our local producers fairly, sourcing wholesome foods, paying our staff a living-wage, and providing members with affordable options across the store. We will continue working closely with our farmers and suppliers to bring you the best local and wholesome foods at prices we can all afford. We always welcome comments on this and anything else, so feel free to use the Member Feedback board next to the produce area whenever you have ideas to share. Watch for new products and prices in the months ahead!
Member-owners are our strength. In just two years, you built The Mustard Seed Co-op from an idea into a beautiful store. Now that we are open, could you offer a few hours/month to help us keep growing? Email volunteer@mustardseed.coop to get involved.
Specific need: we are looking for some people to join our Local Bounty Bag team! Our hope is that you would commit to Tuesday evenings (every Tuesday, every other, or once/month), and help us pack our produce bags. You’ll spend your time portioning out beautiful fresh produce, and packing bags full to the brim in preparation for Wednesday’s pick-up.
