Feed Iowa First

Grow don't mow: the organization partners with community partners to utilize urban spaces to grow food.grow don't mow is a grassroots organization that partners with local faith-based organizations, businesses, and corporations to till underutilized land and grow over 19,000 lbs. Of produce a year for community distribution. With rising costs of land and nearly 229,000 iowans who are food insecure, our growing partners make a difference in alleviating food insecurity by growing nutrient-dense produce here in linn county. Feed Iowa First manages 14 urban fields (total of 1.2 acres combined) and works with over 100 volunteers through the grow don't mow program. Fif starts over 40,000 plants (more than 50 varieties), tills, provides irrigation, and trains all field volunteers in gap (good agricultural practices). Grow don't mow partner organizations then tend, water, weed, and harvest produce returning it to Feed Iowa First for community distribution. Feed Iowa First distributes produce to underserved communities within 24-72 hours of harvest ensuring it is fresh and retains nutrients. Through the gdm program, we grow specifically to meet the food needs of the community through providing fresh, high-quality produce that is needed and wanted, thus reducing food waste while increasing access.19,581 pounds of food (includes wanatee) grown through the grow don't mow program with 13,440 pounds being from urban sites (approx. 1.2 acres) 13 community partners

Distribution: we believe access to fresh, healthy produce can and does transform lives. Fresh food is a basic human right, and ensuring access to it is key to building vibrant communities where citizens can reach their full human potential. Through distribution, we are cultivating communities of caring across linn county that work together to bring fresh, locally grown produce to any person that struggles with food insecurity and remove barriers to food access. All produce grown through Feed Iowa First grown don't mow program and donated through our don't waste donate program is distributed to underserved community members for free. This program is aimed at directly alleviating food insecurity by providing access to nutrient-dense produce at no cost to any family in need and requires no paperwork or id to receive food allowing us to serve not only those who cannot afford food but those who do not qualify for federal food assistance but do not have the means to buy nutritious food at the store. Produce through the dgm program is moved from field-to-family within 72-hours through our community distribution program. Our distribution system alleviates barriers of transportation and scheduling by including 19 distribution partners. These include apartment complexes, low-income health clinic, food pantries, school pantries, and 24-hours access to community fridges. Through his model Feed Iowa First is the only program providing consistent vegetables to food pantries and families in need throughout the season providing health equity through food. Feed Iowa First is gap certified to increase food safety and tracking. We distribute farmers market style and grow specifically to meet the needs and wants of our local community. Because of this distribution model we have little waste. This program continues to generate innovative ways of getting fresh, healthy food into the hands and homes in the community that need it most.

Equitable land access (ela):feed Iowa First equitable land access (ela) program provides field education, business formation and development, and partners with local organizations to increase marketing opportunities. Materials and knowledge from this project will be shared with community partners. Fif partners with the catherine mcauley refugee resettlement center to connect with farmers, african american business professionals for marketing, newbo city market for snap and double up food bucks market access, linn county for land leases, eastern Iowa health center fqhc for health equity. These partnerships have been instrumental in building local food system capacity and connecting immigrant and underserved farmers to land and resources. The program has two parts:ela economic development ela economic development selects two farmers yearly to help develop their businesses and buffer the financial losses of starting a new crop. Many of these crops are culturally relevant crops that community members drive 8-hour round trip to buy. We support farmers as they work to see if plants grown worldwide will grow here in Iowa, growing the farmers' business while improving access to culturally relevant food for underserved communities. Feed Iowa First partners with kirkwood for greenhouse space to start more than 20,000 plants for the ela program. At the end of three years, ela farmers will be positioned to secure a federally subsidized farm loan and transition to buying or renting land.

Veggierx:the veggierx pilot program to improve outcomes for underserved diabetics in linn county experiencing food insecurity. Veggierx addresses access to nutrient-dense and culturally appropriate vegetables, individual choice, transportation barriers, and patient support. The veggierx program offers a personally and medically tailored weekly produce pickup for underserved diabetics. Veggierx will allow access to culturally appropriate food that patients know how to cook and enjoy eating. The program will run for a minimum of 12 weeks, with a potential 6-week extension if the growing season allows.

Grow some rows:local commercial farmers, residential farmers or backyard growers can donate a portion of their land to grow produce for Feed Iowa First. Feed Iowa First will provide the plants and will organize volunteers to help plant, maintain and harvest produce. Growers may be eligible for up to $5,000 in tax credits and the retail value of the produce may be tax-deductible. Last year Feed Iowa First worked with the Iowa big high school program to construct a produce drop-off shed so home gardeners can drop off anytime of the day. The shed is equipped with a cooling fan, log, and cooler to make it easier for home gardeners to donate excess while protecting the vegetables from sun. 3180 pounds of potatoes grown on one acre with bluebird farms in libson.

Don't waste donate:feed Iowa First partners with several commercial farmers and residential growers to redirect excess produce to linn county residents that lack access to fresh locally-grown and chemical-free produce. Our donated produce does not originate from supermarkets where the produce may already be passed the 'best before' date. Feed Iowa First will accept donations from any grower of produce in linn county or surrounding areas. Because of our distribution system vegetables are distributed within 24-72 hours of harvest to ensure freshness.