Food Shed Co-op

World Peace Day 2025
2025-09-06 14:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Food Shed Co-op is proud to sponsor and participate in World Peace Day 2025, hosted by Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock in honor of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.
This inspiring community event will take place on the historic Woodstock Square and will feature:
Special appearances by the Woodstock Mayor & Little Miss Woodstock
24 local vendors and organizations (including us!)
Food trucks and family-friendly activities
Thought-provoking presentations and performances promoting peace
Stop by the Food Shed Co-op table to learn more about how we’re building a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected community—one meal (and conversation) at a time.
Together with local leaders, businesses, and community members, we’re creating a vision of peace for ourselves, our neighbors, and the world.

Sampling Saturdays
2025-09-13 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-27 12:00 - 14:00
Join us every other Saturday from 12–2 PM for delicious tastings right here at the Co-op! Each event will feature a rotating selection of local vendors sharing samples of their products—giving you the chance to try before you buy and meet the people behind the food.
Check back as we get closer for the list of participating vendors for this date!

Greens, Grains, and Beans
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30
Wednesday September 24th | 6:00-7:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join plant-based nutrition educator Joan Davis, RN, MS, for an evidence-based, empowering session on how whole food, plant-based eating can transform your health. Joan brings research-backed insights and practical guidance to help you understand what’s really on your plate—and how it affects your health.
In this session, you’ll learn:
• How the Standard American Diet is fueling today’s skyrocketing rates of obesity and chronic disease• What the latest nutrition research says about preventing and even reversing chronic conditions• Why there’s so much conflicting information—and how to cut through the noise• How to start incorporating more whole food, plant-based meals into your life (without pressure or perfection!)
You’ll walk away with:
✓ Practical tools to make simple, sustainable changes✓ Resources (books, websites, tools) to continue learning at your own pace✓ A deeper understanding of why nutrition matters—and how you can take action
No lectures—just real talk, real science, and real-life strategies.
Reconnect with your health—one plant at a time.Sign up today! Complete and submit the form below to reserve your spot.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *
of particpants Email

Ages of particpants *Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

Horse-Girl Dreams and Misty Magic: an Evening with Author Susan Friedland
2025-10-02 18:00 - 19:00
Calling all horse lovers, history fans and educators!
Join us for an evening with author Susan Friedland as she shares her inspiring journey from pony-obsessed schoolgirl to published author of Marguerite, Misty and Me—a memoir that celebrates the timeless stories of Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague, the beloved pony who became a literary icon and national celebrity.
In this talk, Susan will share how rereading Misty of Chincoteague as an adult sent her on a two-year, 8,000-mile research adventure—from California to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Along the way, Susan uncovered little-known stories about Newbery Medalist Marguerite Henry, who once lived in Chicagoland. She also got up close with the wild Chincoteague Ponies, witnessing their roundup and swim—a real-life storyline that has captivated generations of Misty readers.
Whether you’re a horse enthusiast, an educator looking for classroom inspiration or a fan of charming animal stories and literary history, this event promises to stir your heart and spark your imagination.
Following her presentation, Susan will sign books and have both the original and young reader versions of Marguerite, Misty and Me available for sale.

Beekeeping 101
2025-10-05 12:00 - 13:00
Sunday October 5th | 12:00-1:00 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join Jerry Gudauskas, University of Illinois Master Gardener and University of Florida Master Beekeeper, for an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of honeybees. With decades of experience as an educator, farmer, and community volunteer, Jerry brings both deep knowledge and an approachable teaching style to every class. Whether you’re curious about starting your own hive, interested in pollinators, or simply love honey, this workshop will give you a practical foundation.
Jerry is a retired educator, veteran, and long-time grower known locally for his expertise with tomatoes, garlic, and—of course—bees. He teaches audiences of all ages, from young children to military veterans, and has been active in food preservation, gardening, and sustainable agriculture throughout his career. As an early Food Shed Co-op owner, Jerry is passionate about sharing knowledge that strengthens both individuals and communities.
In this class, you’ll learn:• The basics of honeybee biology and the critical role bees play in pollination and food systems• What’s involved in starting and maintaining a healthy hive—from equipment to seasonal tasks• Common challenges beekeepers face, and practical strategies for supporting bee health• The connection between bees, biodiversity, and a resilient local food system• How honey and other hive products can be harvested, used, and enjoyed responsibly
Whether you’re considering your first hive, want to better understand pollinators in your garden, or simply enjoy learning about the natural world, this class offers expert guidance, hands-on wisdom, and a chance to “meet the bees” through Jerry’s experience. Sign up today to save your spot—class size is limited.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *
of Participating particpants

Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *Ages of particpants *Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

Taste the Tradition: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Local Vendors
2025-10-11 14:00 - 16:00
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for a special sampling. We’re excited to have two Hispanic-owned vendors in the store for sampling.
El Molcajete brings authentic family-style Mexican mole sauces and recipes rooted in Oaxacan tradition, crafted with simple, natural ingredients.
Luciana’s Kitchen shares handmade Argentine empanadas and pastries, bringing the flavors of Buenos Aires to the Food Shed.
This is a wonderful opportunity to taste delicious food, support local Hispanic-owned businesses, and connect with the stories behind their products. Stop by, sample, and enjoy a taste of tradition!

Everything Coffee
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:30
Thursday October 16th | 6:00-7:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join Michael Kivland of Heady Cup Coffee Roasters for a practical and inspiring class on the art and science of coffee—from sourcing ethically grown beans to brewing a perfect cup. With his passion for specialty roast, sustainability, and high sensory standards, Michael will guide you through the fundamentals of coffee appreciation and home or small-batch brewing excellence.
Michael is co-founder of Heady Cup Coffee Roasters based in McHenry, Illinois. He and his partner Kevin Foglesong left corporate sales work to establish a socially responsible roasting business, sourcing traceable, single-origin beans from growers around the world—Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua—and ensuring strong ethical and environmental standards.
In this class, you’ll learn:• How to recognize and appreciate flavor and aroma in single-origin, ethically sourced beans• The importance of traceability and sustainable sourcing in specialty coffee• Brewing fundamentals—from pour-over, French press, and espresso basics to cold brew techniques• How roast level influences flavor, and how to dial in grind size, water to coffee ratios, and temperature• Tips for setting up a home coffee routine or small batch operation that yields consistently delicious results
Whether you’re a home brewer curious about step-by-step technique, a coffee lover seeking deeper appreciation of origin and roast, or a budding barista wanting to learn ethical sourcing practices, this class offers expert insights, hands-on knowledge, and a true taste of coffee’s potential. Sign up today to elevate your coffee experience!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Email Name particpants

Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *Ages of particpants *Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

Bloom & Beautify
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a day of giving back to the earth and our community!We’ll kick things off at 10AM with the planting of our Pollinator Garden, creating a vibrant space that supports bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. After that, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a grounds clean-up and head out for our Adopt-a-Highway roadside clean-up to keep our community looking beautiful.
It’s a wonderful way to spend the day outdoors, make a positive impact, and connect with others who care about the environment. All are welcome—bring your energy, gloves if you have them, and let’s make a difference together!

Care4 Breast Cancer 5K
2025-10-19 08:30 - 12:00 | Woodstock North High School, 3000 raffel road, woodstock, IL, 60098, United States
We’re proud to sponsor the Care4 Breast Cancer 5K—a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and hope that makes a real impact right here in McHenry County! This incredible event raises funds for the Family Health Partnership Clinic, supporting breast cancer screenings, early diagnosis, preventative care, and breast health education for uninsured adults in our community.
As part of our support, Food Shed Co-op will be onsite providing fresh bananas for all walkers and runners to refuel after the race. Join us in cheering on participants and celebrating FHPC’s 29 years of Caring4 our community!

Composting & Soil Readiness
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:30
Monday October 27th | 6:00-7:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join sustainability advocate and environmental educator Jon Alspach for a down-to-earth, practical class on composting and preparing soil for a fruitful spring. With a background in Environmental Science from Loyola University, Jon is actively working to reduce food waste by collecting produce scraps and transforming them into rich compost in his own backyard—turning residential greenery into a thriving wildflower haven and contributing to local ecosystem health.
In this class, you’ll learn:
• What materials to include or avoid in your compost pile• How to start and maintain a composting system that suits your space—even if you don’t have a large yard• Tips for achieving the right balance of moisture, heat, and aeration• Techniques for using your compost to enrich soil and kickstart spring planting
Whether you’re new to composting or want to make your existing setup more effective, this class will provide you with hands-on guidance, tested methods, and a dose of inspiration. Sign up today! Complete and submit the form below to reserve your spot.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *
guardian) Additional Participating

Ages of particpants *Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

Green Living Expo
2025-11-01 10:00 - 15:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
The Food Shed Co-op is proud to be a supporting sponsor for this year’s Green Living Expo at McHenry County College! This unique event features non-profits and vendors promoting sustainable practices here in McHenry County.
The event is free to the public and runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm. If you’re looking to learn about all things “GREEN” – this is the place to be! Stop by the Food Shed Co-op table and say hello to the volunteers and staff that help make this food cooperative successful!

Botanical Beverages
2025-11-02 12:00 - 13:30
Sunday November 2nd | 12:00-1:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join Stacy McCaskill, founder and lead herbalist at Hempstock Pharms, for a thoughtful and practical class exploring how hemp-infused and botanical beverages can support a more mindful, connected, and elevated sober lifestyle. With a deep background in adult learning and small-batch formulation, Stacy will guide you in using plants to craft beverages that nourish both body and spirit. Whether you’re sober-curious, wellness-focused, or simply seeking new rituals, this class offers inspiration and expertise grounded in sustainable practice.
Stacy McCaskill is founder and lead herbalist at Hempstock Pharms, Woodstock, Illinois’s first craft, seed-to-label hemp farm. She is a past Small Business Development Center director, a former tenured business professor, VP of the Illinois Herb Association, and board member of the Specialty Growers Association—deeply committed to education, sustainable agriculture, and plant-based wellness.
In this class, you’ll learn:• How to recreate the feelings people often seek from alcohol—relaxation, release, or confidence—using botanicals and adaptogens.• Tips for crafting beautiful botanical beverages and establishing meaningful rituals with elegant glassware and mindful “wind-down” routines• Ways to build authentic social connection without alcohol, from mocktail nights to tea circles to shared tastings• How to shift from “replacement thinking” to fully embracing a lifestyle rooted in clarity, creativity, and wellness• Practical ideas for incorporating botanical beverages into your daily rhythm so they become part of your holistic self-care
Whether you’re looking for new social rituals, personal wellness practices, or a fresh perspective on sobriety, this class offers expert guidance, practical tools, and a whole new way to raise a glass. Sign up today to secure your spot!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *Ages of particpants *
Additional (if Owner

Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

Mexican Cooking
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:30
Thursday November 13th | 6:00-7:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join Chef Ernesto Rodríguez of El Molcajete Sauces for a flavorful, hands-on Mexican cooking class celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca. With deep roots in mole heritage and a dedication to vegan, gluten-free, small-batch sauces, Ernesto brings authenticity, warmth, and a lifelong family tradition to every dish. Whether you’re a home cook looking to expand your repertoire or a curious foodie seeking authentic Mexican flavors, this class will guide you through the art of sauce making and beyond.
Ernesto is the founder and chef behind El Molcajete Sauces, now based in Evanston, IL. Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico—“The Land of the Seven Moles”—he launched his sauce company in 2017, creating small-batch mole sauces, chili oils, and organic corn tortillas rooted in the recipes passed down through his family.
In this class, you’ll learn:• How to roast, grind, and balance the key ingredients (chiles, seeds, spices, chocolate, fruit) that define authentic Oaxacan mole sauces• Techniques for achieving proper texture, flavor harmony, and depth—from smoky heat to subtle sweetness• How to adapt traditional recipes to vegan and gluten-free diets, using ethically sourced, whole-food ingredients• Ways to pair your mole with accompaniments like chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, and beverages inspired by Oaxacan culture• Insight into Oaxacan food heritage and the cultural significance of mole as a communal celebration
Whether you’re eager to master mole from scratch or explore bold, traditional Mexican flavors that elevate everyday meals, this class offers expert facilitation, practical technique, and a delicious cultural journey. Sign up today—bring the taste of Oaxaca to your kitchen!
SOLD OUT!!

Holiday Tasting
2025-11-15 13:00 - 15:00
Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of delicious samples! Join us for our Holiday Tasting Event, where you’ll enjoy a festive spread featuring:
Juicy turkey, roasted acorn squash, creamy cauliflower mac & cheese, vegan mashed potatoes, classic cafeteria noodles, Hatch Chile cornbread, and apple butter cake, all made in-house!
Come taste, mingle, and get inspired for your own holiday table. Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or looking for creative new sides, you won’t want to miss this cozy community event!

Herbs 101
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30
Tuesday November 18th | 6:00-7:30 PM
Food Shed Co-op Community Room
Free
Join herbalist, educator, and native plant expert Nancy Gonsiorek for a practical and inspiring class on how to grow, harvest, and use herbs in your daily life. With decades of experience in environmental education and sustainable agriculture, Nancy will guide you through the essentials of building your own herbal toolkit—right from your garden.
Nancy holds a Master of Science in Herbal Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, teaches Permaculture and Sustainable Agriculture at the College of Lake County, and is the founder of Blazing Star Inc., a native plant nursery and restoration consultancy.
In this class, you’ll learn:
• Which herbs grow well in our region and how to cultivate them• Best practices for harvesting and storing herbs for long-term use• Simple ways to incorporate herbs into cooking, wellness, and daily routines• How growing herbs supports biodiversity and ecological health
Whether you’re just starting your herb garden or looking to make better use of what you grow, this class will offer expert insight, practical tips, and a deeper appreciation for the power of plants. Reconnect with the land—one leaf at a time. Sign up today! Complete and submit the form below to secure your spot!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
of of Participating

Name (parent or guardian) *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Owner Number (if available)Number of People Participating *Ages of particpants *Additional NotesOptional notes or comments.

Sign Up

In-house Tasting
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00
Mark your calendars!
Join us for a fun sampling event featuring fresh new additions to our Grab & Go selection. Come taste what’s next at the co-op, meet the team, and help us celebrate local, delicious convenience.
Menu details coming soon—check back for updates!

Mole (Mo-leh) Sauce Cooking Demo
2026-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Food Shed Co-op, 2390 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock, 60098, United States
Join us for a hands-on culinary experience with Chef Ernesto Rodriguez Carreño of El Molcajete Sauces as we explore the rich traditions, culture, and history of Oaxaca (Wah-ha-kah) and its Indigenous communities.
Seats are limited—reserve your seat today for $5 and receive a $10 in-store coupon during the class.
🌶️ Ingredients & TechniquesWork with native ingredients like heirloom corn, cacao, pasilla, chilhuacle, and costeño chilies, wild herbs such as epazote and hoja santa, and seasonal produce. You may grind corn on a metate to make fresh masa for tortillas or tamales, while learning to use traditional tools like the soplador, jarros, and molenillos. Classic dishes such as mole negro, mole coloradito, tlayudas, or memelas may be prepared.
🧓🏽 Cultural ExchangeChef Ernesto shares ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, connecting food to festivals, farming cycles, and spiritual traditions—highlighting food as identity.
🫔 Hands-On LearningBe involved in every step, from ingredient selection to roasting over open flame and hand-shaping tortillas.
🍽️ Communal MealWe’ll conclude with a shared meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, often accompanied by refreshing agua fresca.
