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? - Jim
A. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, though we encourage new members of our community to begin in the market on either Wednesday or Thursday. If you are interested, we can work you in on some Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

Q. Is there a membership fee for joining the coop? If so, how much? - Seeking Squash
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.

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. - John
A. It’s true, we are only open on Wednesday, 9am-6:30pm, and Thursday, 4-7pm. 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. Thanks for your help! - Veggie Curious
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 veges 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 central location, 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 Taft?
A: You will pay at the same location where you intend to pick up your share.For example, if you go to the Taft Street location and drop your order and check there on a Wednesday, you can come back the following Wednesday to pick up your order and order again for the following week.

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 seems 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. We do understand that people eat meat and dairy products and offer the following contact information for them. These people, may not be certified organic and they do practice organic process. We are advocates for people and their own level of responsibility

Q: What is quinoa?
A: Quinoa is a 5,000 year old grain, often referred to as the "Mother Grain", pronounced keen-wa. High in protein and just gosh darn fun to eat..

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