Beekeepers everywhere face many challenges and Chicago Honey Co-op is no exception. Because we have chosen to raise our bees without chemical or antibiotic treatments the way many other beekeepers do, we run a higher risk of loss of hives from fungal diseases like nosema. We are undertaking an effort to start raising our own queen bees which will allow us to choose the strongest queens with the best survival and honey producing traits. From these queens we can build new hives ourselves instead of purchasing bees to replace the hives that don’t survive. Our commitment to the community surrounding the apiary is very strong. The very first year we began the Co-op we opened up the space to neighbors who were interested in growing their own food there. We work closely with the North Lawndale Greening Committee which has a youth nutrition education program that brings young people to the farm to see how food is grown. We also host after school visits from Faith in Place where children get to see inside a beehive, taste honey and tour the farm. Our goal at Chicago Honey Co-op has always been to be a self supporting small business. Because we are a not for profit business, traditional means of raising capitol are not open to us. We rely heavily on the kindness of volunteers and are just able to pay a small wage to our 2 beekeepers. Costs of equipment, supplies, tools, and rent are increasing all the time. So if you appreciate what we are doing, we would be very grateful for your product purchase or a donation. Although we are a not for profit business, we are not a 501c-3 so your direct donation is not tax deductible. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to Chicago Honey Co-op, Crossroads Fund  has generously offered to take donations on our behalf. Here's what your donation could pay for: A hive tool costs $5.00 A one pound honey jar and lid costs $1.13 A day of labor at a farmers market costs $70.00 A package of mite resistant bees costs $130.00