Karen Wasson has been selling fruits and vegetables at Iowa City-area markets since the mid-80s. Though she grew up raising tomatoes on her parents’ farm, she never expected growing produce to become a decades-spanning career for herself. Wasson Produce started, she said, because her young daughter didn’t want her to go to work. It was […]
Field to Family is partnering with area food pantries to expand access to locally grown produce this growing season, providing bulk orders of fresh fruits and veggies at no cost. This wholesale distribution model allows us to support the tremendous efforts to reduce food insecurity already happening in our community with greater efficiency. Pantries are […]
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When a community member visits a food pantry, they may not anticipate bringing home bunches of fresh cilantro and cartons of just-picked cherry tomatoes. “People are expecting to get the leftovers,” said John Boller, executive director of the Coralville Community Food Pantry. As of 2016, about 14% of Johnson County residents lacked consistent access to […]
At Echollective Farm, responsible farming means prioritizing the ecosystem and community alike. “So often, the conversation can go far in either direction and not include the other,” said farmer Molly Schintler. To nourish the planet, Echollective uses organic farming practices and intentional conservation methods. They promote biodiversity by cultivating a robust crop rotation and leaving […]
It’s easy to find a pint of locally grown cherry tomatoes in Johnson County, Iowa in September. It’s not so easy to find enough to feed an entire school district. In June 2019, Field to Family evolved into a nonprofit food hub in an effort to tackle that challenge. Our past: How Field to […]
A few years back, home daycare provider Anita Schaefer bought an “Aerogarden” with a Farm to ECE Grant. These indoor, hydroponic gardens are a great way to start seeds and grow things like herbs indoors, but they can be pricey. A colleague wondered aloud if there was a way to make a bigger, cheaper version […]
Daycare provider Anita Schaefer loves bringing the garden into her at-home daycare. One of her favorite activities for little ones is a seed starting comparison activity. Kiddos as young as 18 months are able to plant seeds in cups of soil and watch them grow. Slightly older kids are able to guess which seeds will […]
Shopping online has become increasingly popular among consumers, but selling products digitally comes with its own perks, too. Small-scale farmers and business owners can attest: online local foods sales are a win-win for shoppers and vendors alike. In fact, strong demand from vendors was a major factor driving Field to Family to offer a second […]
Farmer Mark Gingerich says if you want the biggest strawberries, go to Walmart. But if you want the freshest, sweetest basket of fruit, pick your own. “I’m a big proponent of agency,” he said. “If you put in the effort to pick your own strawberries, there’s something rewarding about that.” Mark and his wife, Katrina, […]