Your co-op loves to try new things. And, we’re proud to be one of the first stores around to offer some of grocery’s most exciting and innovative new products. Get to know what’s new this month!
From the Board of Directors
“…on May 20, I was part of a panel of representatives from several different cooperatives, sponsored by the Kansas Farmers Union (another farmers co-op founded in 1907). This was part of their new program called Homegrown Prosperity where they are prepared to identify and help groups where a cooperative might be a solution to a community’s problem.
Among the participants on the panel were a representative for FreeState Electric Cooperative, Central Plains Organic Farmers Association, and the Kansas City Food Hub.
All participants agreed cooperatives were tools for solving problems faced by different communities.”
Summer Entertaining
Fee for Large Paper Bags begins July 1
Beginning July 1, all paper bags with handles will incur a 10¢ fee at checkout. This fee will help offset the rising cost of paper bags (now 24¢ each and expected to increase).
We’ll continue to offer cardboard boxes and small bags at no charge, and of course we encourage shoppers to bring your own reusable bags whenever possible.
To help make the transition a little easier, the first 50 shoppers to spend $100 or more in July will receive one of our brand new reusable totes with their purchase!
As always, thank you for your understanding and for your support.
New at the Co-op — Spring
From the Board of Directors
“The Merc became more than an organization to me. It became family. And when something becomes family, your commitment does not depend on location or circumstance. It becomes part of who you are. That is why I am sharing this. Because there are people right now who might be where I once was, watching from the outside, forming opinions, unsure if they belong.
If that is you, I want you to know something.
You do not have to have it all figured out to step in. You do not have to look a certain way. You do not have to think a certain way. You do not have to come from a certain background.
What matters is your willingness to show up. To learn. To engage. To be part of something that is actively trying to make community better.”
New at the Co-op — Owner Days Edition
GM Update — April 2026: Owner Appreciation & Shopper Survey
After more than a year in the role of General Manager, I can say without a doubt that one of my favorite parts of the position is my increased availability to our owners. Hearing stories about how people discovered the co-op, what keeps them coming back, and even how the co-op has changed their lives is such a heartwarming part of the work that we do.
From the Board of Directors — Membership Madness
Join the co-op in March for an exclusive coupon during our owner drive. Plus, all new owners in March are entered into weekly drawings for gift cards! Join online or in-store.
So why join the Co-op? There are plenty of reasons and incentives to become an owner of Lawrence’s one and only consumer owned coop that’s been in operation since 1974. Just click on the link to learn about the value of ownership. As an owner for over 20 years and a Board Member for 9 years, I’m going to break it down for you March Madness style with the Elite Eight Cooperative Principles.
Sweet and Savory Fruit
More fruit recipes
From the Board of Directors
…”investing locally is still how a community can provide local power, cushion global inflation, and source democratically desired goods. Investing in the local farmers, sourcing favorable costs through a shared network, creating equitable pay through profits that circle back through the community, providing a return on investment to the owner-members… all of this can happen when we choose to engage in our democratically run co-op..”
The Merc Co+op Board of Directors meets the first Monday of each month. Learn more about the Board, their meetings and responsibilities, owner engagement and more each month in their Board Report.
New at the Co-op — February 2026
Game Day
From the Board of Directors: New Year Reflection
“Counting contributions doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures. It can be as simple as shopping locally, attending a board meeting, volunteering time, or having a meaningful conversation in the aisles. These moments accumulate and invite us to reflect on how we show up for others, how we invest in our community, and how our actions—big or small—help nourish something larger than ourselves.”
The Merc Co+op Board of Directors meets the first Monday of each month. Learn more about the Board, their meetings and responsibilities, owner engagement and more each month in their Board Report.
Winter Squash Recipes
More winter squash recipes
Five Versatile Cheeses from the Co-op
From the Board of Directors: Reflection and Renewed Focus
The Merc Co+op Board of Directors meets the first Monday of each month. Learn more about the Board, their meetings and responsibilities, owner engagement and more each month in their Board Report.
Get to Know Your Board — Alison
The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors is comprised of seven co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. They meet the first Monday of each month. Any co-op owner can run for a board position, and all co-op owners are encouraged to vote in our annual board elections. Get to know the owners that represent you!
Get to Know Your Board — Brad
The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors is comprised of seven co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. They meet the first Monday of each month. Any co-op owner can run for a board position, and all co-op owners are encouraged to vote in our annual board elections. Get to know the owners that represent you!
Get to Know Your Board — Emily
The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors is comprised of seven co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. They meet the first Monday of each month. Any co-op owner can run for a board position, and all co-op owners are encouraged to vote in our annual board elections. Get to know the owners that represent you!