<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>blog Archives - Field to Family</title> <atom:link href="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/</link> <description>Your Local Food Hub & Market</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 16:33:31 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FTF-Icon-Green-1-150x150.png</url> <title>blog Archives - Field to Family</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Field to Family Staff – Meet Emily!</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[michellekenyon]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:25:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hub]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[update]]></category> <category><![CDATA[farmers market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Field to Family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[iowa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[iowa city]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[OFM]]></category> <category><![CDATA[procurement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[staff]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sustainability]]></category> <category><![CDATA[volunteer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wholesale]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=4378</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>New Staff Alert! Field to Family is proud to introduce our new Operations Manager, Emily! We are excited to welcome a fresh member to our team who is as passionate about local food systems as we are! As Operations Manager, Emily serves a vital role in connecting farmers and producers with our local community to [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/">Field to Family Staff – Meet Emily!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4379" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-300x225.png" alt="" width="348" height="261" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-300x225.png 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-1024x768.png 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-768x576.png 768w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/emily-Roberts-2048x1536.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 348px) 100vw, 348px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New Staff Alert!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Field to Family is proud to introduce our new Operations Manager, Emily! We are excited to welcome a fresh member to our team who is as passionate about local food systems as we are! As Operations Manager, Emily serves a vital role in connecting farmers and producers with our local community to make our Online Farmers Market a success week after week! In addition to coordinating volunteers, she also connects with local vendors, universities, schools and care centers to advance Field to Family’s wholesale efforts. In short, Emily makes sure Field to Family’s mission to create sustainable and healthy local food systems runs smoothly! We’ll let Emily introduce herself below:</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Greetings! </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m Emily Roberts, and I’m so excited to introduce myself as Field to Family’s new Operations Manager. I’ve had a great first few days learning the ins and outs of the organization and I’m so passionate about bringing local food to as many people as possible. Starting in college ten years ago, I knew I needed to be a part of a food system that sustains and supports farmers, consumers, and the planet. I found volunteer organizations and work-share opportunities throughout this time to fulfill this interest, but I always dreamed of diving in deep with my career and dedicating myself wholeheartedly to healthfulness through food. I have a background in corporate leadership that will carry over into this management role – you can always expect friendliness and professionalism from me! </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So here I am! Committed to producers and consumers and ready to take on what Field to Family needs to make our local food system flourish. I look forward to building relationships with my coworkers, volunteers, farmers, and customers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peas and carrots,</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Emily</span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/">Field to Family Staff – Meet Emily!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/field-to-family-staff-meet-emily/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Reasons Our Vendors Love the Online Farmers Market</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2021 22:51:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ansels awesome sauce]]></category> <category><![CDATA[buffalo ridge orchard]]></category> <category><![CDATA[echollective farm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[olson garden market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Farmers Market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[red earth gardens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[squier squash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[valerie's french cooking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vendors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wasson produce]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=4074</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>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 [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/">5 Reasons Our Vendors Love the Online Farmers Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="ss-inline-share-wrapper ss-left-inline-content ss-small-icons ss-with-spacing ss-rounded-icons ss-without-labels"><div class="ss-inline-share-content"><ul class="ss-social-icons-container"><li class=""><a href="#" aria-label="Facebook" data-ss-ss-link="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?t=5%20Reasons%20Our%20Vendors%20Love%20the%20Online%20Farmers%20Market&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffieldtofamily.org%2Fcategory%2Fblog%2Ffeed%2F" class="ss-facebook-color" rel="nofollow noopener" 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Link" data-ss-ss-link="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" class="ss-copy-color" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ss-ss-network-id="copy" data-ss-ss-post-id="4074" data-ss-ss-location="inline_content" data-ss-ss-permalink="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" data-ss-ss-type="share"> <span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.313 28v-18.688h-14.625v18.688h14.625zM25.313 6.688c1.438 0 2.688 1.188 2.688 2.625v18.688c0 1.438-1.25 2.688-2.688 2.688h-14.625c-1.438 0-2.688-1.25-2.688-2.688v-18.688c0-1.438 1.25-2.625 2.688-2.625h14.625zM21.313 1.313v2.688h-16v18.688h-2.625v-18.688c0-1.438 1.188-2.688 2.625-2.688h16z"></path></svg></i></span></a></li><li><a href="#" class="ss-share-all ss-shareall-color" rel="nofollow noopener"><span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.333 15.333h-8v-8c0-0.733-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333s-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333v8h-8c-0.733 0-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333s0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333h8v8c0 0.733 0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333s1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333v-8h8c0.733 0 1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333s-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333z"></path></svg></i><span class="ss-reveal-label-wrap"><span class="ss-network-label">More</span></span></span></a></li></ul></div></div> <p style="text-align: left;">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 Online Farmers Market season in 2021.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We’ve asked some of our vendors to share what they love most about participating in the online farmers market.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Check out the top five reasons below!</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4077 alignright" style="text-align: center;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2.png" alt="" width="349" height="293" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2.png 940w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2-300x251.png 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2-768x644.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px" />1. Convenient Sales</h2> <p>Selling local food through the Online Farmers Market requires some up-front work (mainly updating product listing and availability), but after that, it’s fairly hands-off for our vendors. The software shows off photos and descriptions, tracks purchase data, handles transactions and sends the vendors a detailed list of everything they sell each week.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“I like the Online Farmers Market because I know what I sell every single weekend, and it is so simple, and so easy to come and use,” said Ansel Cummings, owner of Ansel’s Awesome Sauce.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Karen Wasson, grower at Wasson Produce, pointed out the bonus convenience of free advertising. Participating in the market draws more eyes to her work and attracts more attention to her business, along with the 30+ others participating.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4076 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1.png" alt="" width="350" height="294" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1.png 940w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1-300x251.png 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1-768x644.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Reducing Waste</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Knowing exactly what they’ve sold ahead of time of also helps our vendors minimize wasted food and effort. Shelly Squier of Squier Squash said that in-person sales require more guess work: you never know what’s going to sell and what you’ll have to lug back home.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“This is assured sales, and I like knowing that so I don’t pick too much,” Squier said.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Emma Johnson of Buffalo Ridge Orchard shared a similar sentiment.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“When we make a delivery for the Online Farmers Market, we know everything has sold,” she said. “It’s a really good feeling to know that your van is full of food that’s going to be delivered promptly the next day.”</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Expanding access to customers</h2> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4078 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3.png" alt="" width="327" height="275" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3.png 940w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3-300x251.png 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3-768x644.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Our nonprofit is committed to expanding access to locally grown food in our community. Prior to starting the Online Farmers Market, we did so primarily as a wholesale food hub, connecting small farmers with big institutions like school districts and retirement communities.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Online Farmers Market has created an additional point of access between vendors and customers, especially for those located farther away from Iowa City.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“We’ve really appreciated working with Field to Family and the Online Farmers Market to give us access to this Iowa City market.” Grant Shadden of Red Earth Gardens.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Shadden farms land on the Meskwaki Settlement in Tama, over an hour northwest of Iowa City. Prior to the online market, the farm sold wholesale through Field to Family’s food hub, but did not participate in any other Iowa City farmers markets.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Pre-pandemic, Olson Garden Market did not sell directly to consumers in Iowa City, either, but the Online Market has connected farmers Brian and Kerri Olson with a new customer base as well.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“Coming over to Iowa City from Grinnell where we live just puts more smiles on everybody’s faces,” Brian Olson said.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">4. Saving Time</h2> <p style="text-align: left;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4079 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Vendor-testimonials.png" alt="" width="349" height="294" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Vendor-testimonials.png 940w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Vendor-testimonials-768x644.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;">While producing food can be a full-time job, our vendors say participating in the online farmers market saves them time overall. In addition reducing hours wasted preparing food that won’t actually sell, they are able to reach customers without manning a booth at a physical market location.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The online sales model exports much of the labor involved with traditional farmers markets to our staff and volunteers, who pack and distribute products on a weekly basis. This frees our farmers up to do other work, or even enjoy a little relaxation over the weekend.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“Especially during the pandemic, to have an efficient way to bring our produce to the people that really, frankly, would be too time consuming for us to do on our own,” said Red Earth Garden’s Shadden. “It frees us up to do more things out in the field and continue to develop a functional agro-ecological system.”</p> <h2></h2> <h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Connecting with the community</h2> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4075 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4.png" alt="" width="336" height="282" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4.png 940w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-300x251.png 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-768x644.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Online Farmers Market began as a way to provide safe access to local food and farm products during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“It’s a way in this new pandemic age to stay connected to the community with our food in a contact-free way,” said Molly Schintler of Echollective Farm.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Even as the pandemic begins to subside, Field to Family’s goal to build a stronger community-based food system remains unwavering. The Online Farmers Market continues to create connections between shoppers, farmers and vendors in our region.</p> <p>“I think it’s great to feel part of the community,” said Valerie Martin, owner of Valerie’s French Cooking. “That’s what I like the most, getting to know people and all of the team.”</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/">5 Reasons Our Vendors Love the Online Farmers Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/why-vendors-love-ofm/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Sustainable Farming Practices Explained</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:29:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[agriculture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aquaponics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[certified organic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cover crops]]></category> <category><![CDATA[farming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hydroponics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[organic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rotation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[soil]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sustainable]]></category> <category><![CDATA[water]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=3968</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>What the hay are cover crops? What’s the difference between produce that’s Certified Organic or organically grown? Scroll through to learn more about some common sustainable farming practices in Iowa.     Want to learn more about your favorite farmers’ practices? Check out the producer page on our online storefront for more information about our [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/">Sustainable Farming Practices Explained</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="ss-inline-share-wrapper ss-left-inline-content ss-small-icons ss-with-spacing ss-rounded-icons ss-without-labels"><div class="ss-inline-share-content"><ul class="ss-social-icons-container"><li class=""><a href="#" aria-label="Facebook" data-ss-ss-link="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?t=Sustainable%20Farming%20Practices%20Explained&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffieldtofamily.org%2Fcategory%2Fblog%2Ffeed%2F" class="ss-facebook-color" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ss-ss-network-id="facebook" 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What’s the difference between produce that’s Certified Organic or organically grown? Scroll through to learn more about some common sustainable farming practices in Iowa.</p> <p> </p> <div class="wpcp-carousel-wrapper wpcp-wrapper-3970"> <div id="wpcp-preloader-3970" class="wpcp-carousel-preloader"><img decoding="async" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-carousel-free/public/css/spinner.svg" alt="Preloader Image" /></div> <div class="wpcp-carousel-content-wrapper"> <div id="sp-wp-carousel-free-id-3970" class="wpcp-carousel-section sp-wpcp-3970 nav-vertical-center wpcp-image-carousel wpcp-preloader wpcp-standard" data-swiper='{ "accessibility":true, "spaceBetween":20, "arrows":true, "freeMode": false, "autoplay":true, "effect": "slide", "centerMode": false, "autoplaySpeed":10000, "dots":true, "infinite":true, "speed":600, "pauseOnHover":true, "slidesToShow":{"lg_desktop":1, "desktop": 1, "laptop": 1, "tablet": 1, "mobile": 1}, "responsive":{"desktop":1200, "laptop": 980, "tablet": 736, "mobile": 480}, "rtl":false, "lazyLoad": "false", "swipe": true, "draggable": true, "swipeToSlide":false }' dir="ltr"> <div class="swiper-wrapper"> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-1-768x768.png" alt="1" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Responsible-Practices-1-1-768x768.png" alt="Responsible Practices (1)" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-1-768x768.png" alt="3" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4-1-768x768.png" alt="4" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-1-768x768.png" alt="5" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6-1-768x768.png" alt="6" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Responsible-Practices-2-768x768.png" alt="Responsible Practices (2)" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8-768x768.png" alt="8" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-slide"> <div class="wpcp-single-item"> <div class="wpcp-slide-image"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="skip-lazy" src="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/9-768x768.png" alt="9" width="640" height="640"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wpcp-swiper-dots swiper-pagination"></div> <!-- If we need navigation buttons --> <div class="wpcp-prev-button swiper-button-prev"><i class="fa fa-angle-left"></i></div> <div class="wpcp-next-button swiper-button-next"><i class="fa fa-angle-right"></i></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p>Want to learn more about your favorite farmers’ practices? Check out the <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producers">producer page</a> on our online storefront for more information about our farmer partners or read our <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/farm-features/">farmer features.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/">Sustainable Farming Practices Explained</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/sustainable-farming-practices/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Beekeeping and the Seasons</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2021 21:42:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beekeeping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[explore local foods]]></category> <category><![CDATA[honey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[julia mcguire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local food explorer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[phenology]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=3947</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A beekeeper’s secret to a bountiful hive: tuning into nature’s seasonal cues. Paying close attention to things like solstice dates, bud bursts and even animal calls can help beekeepers not only produce more honey (yum!) but cultivate abundant bee populations. West Des Moines beekeeper Julia McGuire is on a mission to better understand phenology, the [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/">Beekeeping and the Seasons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="ss-inline-share-wrapper ss-left-inline-content ss-small-icons ss-with-spacing ss-rounded-icons ss-without-labels"><div class="ss-inline-share-content"><ul class="ss-social-icons-container"><li class=""><a href="#" aria-label="Facebook" data-ss-ss-link="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?t=Beekeeping%20and%20the%20Seasons&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffieldtofamily.org%2Fcategory%2Fblog%2Ffeed%2F" class="ss-facebook-color" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ss-ss-network-id="facebook" data-ss-ss-post-id="3947" 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data-ss-ss-post-id="3947" data-ss-ss-location="inline_content" data-ss-ss-permalink="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" data-ss-ss-type="share"> <span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.313 28v-18.688h-14.625v18.688h14.625zM25.313 6.688c1.438 0 2.688 1.188 2.688 2.625v18.688c0 1.438-1.25 2.688-2.688 2.688h-14.625c-1.438 0-2.688-1.25-2.688-2.688v-18.688c0-1.438 1.25-2.625 2.688-2.625h14.625zM21.313 1.313v2.688h-16v18.688h-2.625v-18.688c0-1.438 1.188-2.688 2.625-2.688h16z"></path></svg></i></span></a></li><li><a href="#" class="ss-share-all ss-shareall-color" rel="nofollow noopener"><span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.333 15.333h-8v-8c0-0.733-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333s-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333v8h-8c-0.733 0-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333s0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333h8v8c0 0.733 0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333s1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333v-8h8c0.733 0 1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333s-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333z"></path></svg></i><span class="ss-reveal-label-wrap"><span class="ss-network-label">More</span></span></span></a></li></ul></div></div> <figure id="attachment_3950" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3950" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3950 size-large" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color-300x225.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color-768x576.jpg 768w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/julia-cleaning-dead-outs-3-color.jpg 1632w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3950" class="wp-caption-text">Beekeeper Julia McGuire cleans our her bee boxes.</figcaption></figure> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A beekeeper’s secret to a bountiful hive: tuning into nature’s seasonal cues. Paying close </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">attention to things like solstice dates, bud bursts and even animal calls can help beekeepers not only produce more honey (yum!) but cultivate abundant bee populations. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">West Des Moines beekeeper Julia McGuire is on a mission to better u</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">nderstand </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">phenology, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">study of cyclical and seasonal natural phenomena</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, across Iowa. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What I’m interested in are the plants and other things in nature that help us be better beekeepers,” McGuire said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most crops consumed by humans– from soybeans to strawberries– depend on or benefit from pollination by bees. Better beekeepers manage healthier populations of pollinators. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">McGuire has been keeping bee</span>s since 2011 and teaches beekeeping through her local school district. Her latest project is developing a planner to guide other Iowa<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3949 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-5-17-cole-julia-30-1-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="386" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-5-17-cole-julia-30-1-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-5-17-cole-julia-30-1-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-5-17-cole-julia-30-1-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5-5-17-cole-julia-30-1-1-rotated.jpg 1224w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px" /> beekeepers through seasonal events.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She explained that bees instinctively respond to certain phenological cues. Queen bees, for example, begin laying more eggs following the winter solstice, as daylight hours slowly lengthen. When spring starts to awaken, beekeepers can plan around the changing season to maximize egg output.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We can’t have honey if we can’t have a big population of bees going out to forage,” McGuire said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of McGuire’s colleagues starts readying her equipment when she hears a certain frog species call for the first time. McGuire clears space in her hives just as the earliest spring blooms– maples, willows, crocuses– start to emerge. That way, her bees can collect and store fresh pollen for the queen, fuelling her egg-laying with plenty of protein. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the seasons progress, McGuire changes the configuration of her hives when the first buds start to blossom. Wait too long, and she’s missed half the nectar flow. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If beekeepers can anticipate bloom times, we can make more honey,” McGuire said. </span></p> <p><a href="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/explore-local-food/#honey"><strong>Explore local honey with Field to Family! Visit our Local Food Explorer honey page here. </strong></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Phenology, however, “is extremely sensitive to changes in climate,” according to the </span><a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/casc-sc/science/impacts-climate-change-phenology-a-synthesis-and-path-forward-adaptive?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects"><span style="font-weight: 400;">U.S. Geological Survey.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> As the final frost creeps earlier in the Midwest, warmer spring weather means that, in some cases buds, are bursting sooner than ever before. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Familiarity with the seasonal cycle can help beekeepers keep up, even as the overall timing starts to shift, McGuire said. But she fears that one day, some important species may stop blooming in Iowa altogether. Promoting biodiversity, or the variety of species in an ecosystem, is key to resilience in that case: if one species fails to provide, another can substitute so the nectar flow never stops.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3951 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer-663x1024.png" alt="" width="204" height="315" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer-663x1024.png 663w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer-194x300.png 194w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer-768x1187.png 768w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer-994x1536.png 994w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/budburst-flyer.png 1294w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" />Everyday Iowans can help out at home by planting three species that bloom in spring, three that bloom in summer and three that bloom in fall, McGuire said. While they’re at it, they might consider skipping the pesticides, which can kill bee eggs, delay development and cause honeybee deformities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Iowans across the state can help McGuire develop her phenological field guide and planner, too, by sending in photos of important bee forage plants and notes about other seasonal cues. Submissions will be compiled into an educational tool for other beekeepers and enthusiasts. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more about the project</span><a href="http://juliecache.com/bee-plant-phenology-planner/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> here.</span></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/">Beekeeping and the Seasons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/beekeeping-and-the-seasons/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>A Q&A with Trumpet Blossom Café: Why Chef Katy Meyer sources local</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:14:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hub]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hub customer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[food hub]]></category> <category><![CDATA[plant based]]></category> <category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trumpet blossom cafe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wholesale]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=3872</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>At Trumpet Blossom Café in Iowa City, the menu changes seasonally, even daily, but it almost always features locally sourced ingredients. Chef and owner Katy Meyer is committed to taking care of the planet, serving high-quality food to her customers and participating in our region’s thriving local food system. Meyer has relationships with several local [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/">A Q&A with Trumpet Blossom Café: Why Chef Katy Meyer sources local</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="ss-inline-share-wrapper ss-left-inline-content ss-small-icons ss-with-spacing ss-rounded-icons ss-without-labels"><div class="ss-inline-share-content"><ul class="ss-social-icons-container"><li class=""><a href="#" aria-label="Facebook" data-ss-ss-link="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?t=A%20Q%26A%20with%20Trumpet%20Blossom%20Caf%C3%A9%3A%20Why%20Chef%20Katy%20Meyer%20sources%20local&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffieldtofamily.org%2Fcategory%2Fblog%2Ffeed%2F" class="ss-facebook-color" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ss-ss-network-id="facebook" 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Link" data-ss-ss-link="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" class="ss-copy-color" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ss-ss-network-id="copy" data-ss-ss-post-id="3872" data-ss-ss-location="inline_content" data-ss-ss-permalink="https://fieldtofamily.org/category/blog/feed/" data-ss-ss-type="share"> <span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.313 28v-18.688h-14.625v18.688h14.625zM25.313 6.688c1.438 0 2.688 1.188 2.688 2.625v18.688c0 1.438-1.25 2.688-2.688 2.688h-14.625c-1.438 0-2.688-1.25-2.688-2.688v-18.688c0-1.438 1.25-2.625 2.688-2.625h14.625zM21.313 1.313v2.688h-16v18.688h-2.625v-18.688c0-1.438 1.188-2.688 2.625-2.688h16z"></path></svg></i></span></a></li><li><a href="#" class="ss-share-all ss-shareall-color" rel="nofollow noopener"><span class="ss-share-network-content"><i class="ss-network-icon"><svg class="ss-svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M25.333 15.333h-8v-8c0-0.733-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333s-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333v8h-8c-0.733 0-1.333 0.6-1.333 1.333s0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333h8v8c0 0.733 0.6 1.333 1.333 1.333s1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333v-8h8c0.733 0 1.333-0.6 1.333-1.333s-0.6-1.333-1.333-1.333z"></path></svg></i><span class="ss-reveal-label-wrap"><span class="ss-network-label">More</span></span></span></a></li></ul></div></div><br /> At <a href="https://www.trumpetblossom.com/">Trumpet Blossom Café</a> in Iowa City, the menu changes seasonally, even daily, but it almost always features locally sourced ingredients. Chef and owner Katy Meyer is committed to taking care of the planet, serving high-quality food to her customers and participating in our region’s thriving local food system.</p> <p>Meyer has relationships with several local farmers who provide fresh produce for her cafe’s plant-based dishes. She buys the bulk of her local ingredients from those producers directly. When there’s a gap in her local produce supply, Meyer may call on her local food hub: <a href="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/food-hub/">Field to Family.</a> The Trumpet Blossom Café menu has featured sweet corn, apples and lettuce sourced through Field to Family within the last few seasons.</p> <p>Meyer has been a professional chef and restaurant owner since 2005. Prior to opening Trumpet Blossom Café in 2012, she was co-owner of The Red Avocado for seven years.</p> <p>Read our Q&A with Chef Meyer below to learn more about how and why she chooses local for Trumpet Blossom’s vegan menu!</p> <figure id="attachment_3874" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3874" style="width: 492px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3874" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IA-needs-veg-farms.jpg" alt="Katy Meyer poses at home in an "Iowa Needs Vegetable Farmers" tee" width="492" height="492" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IA-needs-veg-farms.jpg 960w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IA-needs-veg-farms-300x300.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IA-needs-veg-farms-150x150.jpg 150w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IA-needs-veg-farms-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3874" class="wp-caption-text">Photo contributed by Katy Meyer.</figcaption></figure> <p><b>F2F: How does Trumpet Blossom Café take care of the planet and the community?</b></p> <p>Meyer: We try to take care of the environment and the community by providing our customers, and each other, with a safe and comfortable place to enjoy nourishing food that makes us feel good on a basic level and on a more symbiotic level. In an ideal world I would get everything locally/regionally but that is impossible given my current menu and location. I’ve toyed with the idea of eliminating things like tropical fruits and nuts, stuff that has to travel a long way to get here, but for me, for now, it’s more realistic to focus on sourcing as much as I can locally when the season allows and then cutting myself a little slack during the off season. “Cruelty-free” is an unattainable label even when you grow something organically in your backyard. But we believe that offering a 100% plant-based menu is doing far less harm than if we chose to include animal products in our food.</p> <p><strong>F2F: You source from farmers directly, as well as F2F. What are the benefits of both? Why are both necessary?</strong></p> <p>Meyer: It’s great to have relationships with local growers and producers so that you can get to know their products, and they can get to know your needs and preferences, and each party can adapt to the other’s ups and downs and meet in the middle whenever possible. Sometimes it’s difficult to source a certain product or to stay informed about all the community growers have to offer, and that’s when a place like Field to Family can help so much. We’re all part of a local food system that can sustain each contributor’s livelihood and hopefully even help them thrive when given the opportunities to connect and learn from each other.</p> <p>It’s been great working with Field to Family. Everyone I’ve worked with at Field to Family has been easy to work with and very supportive of our efforts as a small business. I’ve always appreciated what Field to Family has done with regards to community outreach and support.</p> <p><strong>F2F: Do the growing practices of farmers you source from matter to you? If so, why? What do you like to see?</strong></p> <p>Meyer: I try to support farmers who use organic growing methods, free from chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides. I try to source things that are certified organic and/or non-GMO, but I understand that the certification process can be prohibitive for some growers. It seems that most small farmers in the area are utilizing processes that are more gentle on the environment. I think most folks who choose to grow plants for a living are respectful of the earth because they recognize its inherent beauty and fragility and also its great power.</p> <p><strong>F2F: Why do you care about the environmental impact of food? Was there an “Aha” moment or was it a slower journey?</strong></p> <p>Meyer: I believe that as a conscious being on this planet, to the best of my ability and circumstance at any given time, I owe it to the environment to at least not leave it worse than it was when I got here. As for “aha” moments, I definitely had a moment but it was more of a “what the bleep” moment when I realized the fields and fields of crops we grow in America’s heartland aren’t even suitable for our consumption in their raw forms and are mostly used to feed the animals who are conceived, raised, and killed for people to eat. There is a giant, idyllic filter placed over the landscape to make us think these beautiful, endless fields are feeding us with their abundance and when you strip away that filter and see the harms the reality of monoculture inflict on the environment, well that can be a big “aha”/”what the bleep” moment.</p> <p><strong>F2F: In terms of quality, how would you describe the difference between local and conventional produce ingredients?</strong></p> <p>I like to use the example of a tomato grown in fertile Iowa dirt during the peak of summer, tended to and harvested when it’s just right and placed gently in a crate, still warm and flecked with little bits of that soil, having ridden maybe a mile in a pickup truck to get to the restaurant, for us to rinse gently and slice into and use in a favorite dish — versus — a tomato in January grown thousands of miles away, maybe given the same attention and care, but not picked at the right time and not unique in its shape or hue, traveling on a semi for maybe even days, to sit in a warehouse and then a store and then we get it and sure, it tastes mostly like a tomato but does it taste like a tomato can, like it’s meant to? No. So that’s the difference.</p> <p><strong>F2F: Why should other restaurants source local? What would your advice be to a chef hoping to add more local to the menu?</strong></p> <p>Meyer: My answer to that question is why shouldn’t restaurants source locally? I recognize that sometimes a local ingredient costs more or the availability can fluctuate or it can take a little more digging to find it. And I’m definitely not perfect when it comes to sourcing locally, there’s always more I should be doing–it’s an ongoing process and it takes a few extra steps sometimes. But we have the option and we can keep our resources and energies local so why wouldn’t we do that? A good place to start is to think seasonally and to look at what can be grown and sourced locally at different times of the year and consider incorporating local ingredients when they’re around and also think about ways to preserve the local ingredients to be used throughout the year or look to folks in the community who are doing this already and utilize that resource. Of course reaching out to Field to Family and other similar organizations is a great idea too.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/">A Q&A with Trumpet Blossom Café: Why Chef Katy Meyer sources local</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/trumpet-blossom-cafe/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Community Supported Agriculture F.A.Q.</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:11:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CSA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[csa guide]]></category> <category><![CDATA[FAQ]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=3453</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a growing model of direct-marketing for farmers growing diversified crops. As a consumer/fan of local food, however, you might have some questions about getting involved. Learn more about Community Supported Agriculture below, and be sure to check out Field to Family’s CSA Guide to explore CSA options in Iowa City, Cedar [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/">Community Supported Agriculture F.A.Q.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 style="text-align: left;"></h1> <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2729 " src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_0959-1024x683.jpg" alt="Summer vegetable assortment" width="499" height="333" /></h3> <p>Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a growing model of direct-marketing for farmers growing diversified crops. As a consumer/fan of local food, however, you might have some questions about getting involved. Learn more about Community Supported Agriculture below, and be sure to check out Field to Family’s CSA Guide to explore CSA options in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.</p> <h3>What is Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA?</h3> <p>In the farming community, CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture.” In this model, customers make an upfront investment in a farm at the start of the season and receive a weekly share of the farm’s harvest in exchange.</p> <h3>How does the CSA model benefit farmers and customers?</h3> <p>CSA farmers benefit from the upfront capital they receive from members at the start of the season. These funds help them pay for seeds, compost, labor, rent and all their other expenses. The farmers know they have a reliable market for the food they’ve grown.</p> <p>While there are many great reasons to purchase and consume local foods in general, joining a CSA has several additional benefits. CSA members can create personal connections with their farmers, see where their food is grown and become more active participants in their local food system. The nature of the weekly share means a CSA member’s diet will be full of seasonal variety and nutritious produce.</p> <h3>How long does a CSA “subscription” last?</h3> <p>CSAs are offered during every season of the year, though summer is by far the most popular, with fall not too far behind. Each farm sets its own CSA duration. That being said, a 16-week share from June through September is very common.</p> <h3>What does a CSA typically cost?</h3> <p>Joining a CSA requires an upfront investment of several hundred dollars. For a typical 16-week summer share in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, this will often be $400-$500, or approximately $25-$30/week. Every farm sets its own price, however, so be sure to consult individual farm websites.</p> <p>Some farms offer small or half-size shares for individuals or small families that cost less than their full-sized shares.</p> <h3>I’m interested in joining a CSA, but it is out of my budget. Are there any options to help low-income households access CSA subscriptions?</h3> <p>Because CSAs require a large upfront payment, they can be inaccessible to large segments of the community. Many of our farmers care deeply about food access and food justice, however, and provide options to help low-income community members join.</p> <ul> <li>Most farms provide low-cost shares to low-income members</li> <li>Some farms offer work-share options, in which a member can work on the farm a few hours a week to receive a reduced-cost CSA share</li> <li>Visiting a weekly farmstand or pop-up farm sale can allow you to create a connection with you food/farmer while making a la carte purchases to meet your budget</li> <li>The <a href="https://www.coralvillefoodpantry.org/veggierx">Veggie RX</a> program, funded by MidwestOne Bank, provides free CSA shares from local farms to customers at several local food pantries.</li> </ul> <h3>What does a CSA in Iowa typically contain?</h3> <p>Iowa CSA shares are vegetable-heavy as a whole, though some seasonal fruit like melon or berries might be included. One notable exception is Buffalo Ridge Orchard, which offers an apple CSA in addition to vegetable shares. There are also flower CSAs in Iowa, which are not included in our CSA Guide at this time.</p> <p>CSA farmers often team up with other farmers or local food producers to offer “add-ons” to their shares. Some farms might offer the option to add eggs, bread, beer, flowers or other local products to a CSA membership.</p> <h3>How will I use all that produce?</h3> <p>By eating with the seasons, trying new things and getting creative in the kitchen! Many farmers include recipes with their CSA shares or in weekly newsletter emails to members, which can provide additional ideas and support.</p> <p>If your chosen farm does not offer a half- or small-size share but a full-size is too much, you might also consider splitting the share and cost with a friend or neighbor.</p> <h3>How do I join a CSA?</h3> <p>Each farm has a different sign-up process. Visiting a farm’s website will typically provide you with up-to-date information about CSA availability, as well as how to reserve a share.</p> <h3>How early should I sign up?</h3> <p>Farmers typically open up enrollment for the season annual in March. Watch for those announcements and sign up as soon as possible. Farms only have limited amount of shares available each season.</p> <p>That being said, not every farm is on the same timeline. Explore our CSA Guide to learn more about CSA availability in the area.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/">Community Supported Agriculture F.A.Q.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/csa-faq/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Gifting Local Food with the Online Farmers Market</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:55:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dessert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[frozen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gift]]></category> <category><![CDATA[giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hannukah]]></category> <category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hot sauce]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Farmers Market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[presents]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shelf stable]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=2998</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If you’ve been enjoying the Online Farmers Market yourself, why not share the joy of local food and farm products with your loved ones this holiday season? From stocking stuffers to gift sets and everything in between, our vendors have a wide variety of gift-ready products available for sale. We encourage you to use this [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/">Gifting Local Food with the Online Farmers Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;">If you’ve been enjoying the Online Farmers Market yourself, why not share the joy of local food and farm products with your loved ones this holiday season? From stocking stuffers to gift sets and everything in between, our vendors have a wide variety of gift-ready products available for sale.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">We encourage you to use this guide for planning and to explore our <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producers">Meet Your Producer Page</a> and explore the full list of products for sale through the Online Farmers Market before finalizing your shopping list! We hope to update this guide as we get more information, but the final mix of products available on a given week is typically not set in stone until just before carts open on Tuesday afternoon.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">For the Home Chef</h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3027 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1-2.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The culinary geniuses in your life will be able to enjoy farm-fresh flavor year-round thanks to some of our creative vendors, who have found ways to preserve and package locally grown herbs and produce into delicious seasonings, oils and vinegars.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/7a76051c-1467-4da6-9077-49b809549db1">Olson Garden Market</a> is a popular produce vendor with its own line of “Big O’s” seasonings, made from garlic, herbs and veggies grown right on the farm. The farmers sell individual shakers and grinders of products like rib rub, garlic salt, everything but the bagel seasoning, parsley salts and veggie pepper, as well as pre-packaged gift sets containing some of their most popular products.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">The “farmer-entrepreneurs” at<a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/f5df45ff-2b16-4abf-bcd5-6e045ae51523"> Pickle Creek Herbs</a> grow herbs, garlic, tomatoes, peppers and berries on their small, certified organic farm and bottle up those delicious flavors into herb-infused olive oils, vinegars and other value-added products. They attribute the incredible flavor of their products to their original recipes, passion for their plants, and background in chemistry, which helps them get the soil conditions just right. Check out the wide variety of culinary products these farmers offer, including individual bottles of oil and vinegar in multiple sizes, pre-packaged gift sets, and dried herbs.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">For the Spice Master</h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3022 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2-2.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">If you know someone who loves to test the limits of their taste buds by experimenting with crazy-hot pepper varieties to see how much capsaicin they can handle, have we got the gifts for you….</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/c62e887a-86ce-4c3e-bc19-bf12e936884e">Ansel’s Awesome Sauce</a> is “hand-crafted in small batches with the roots and fruits of Iowa,” bottling ingredients from our local growers into delicious, hand-crafted hot sauces. Ansel’s line includes products ranging from “mild” to “Double-X,” with smoky and original varieties. Pick some to suit your loved one’s palate!</p> <p style="text-align: center;">In addition to their line of spices and rubs, <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/7a76051c-1467-4da6-9077-49b809549db1">Olson Garden Market</a> has several kinds of dried peppers for sale! Though hot pepper season ended in Iowa weeks ago, these dehydrated peppers pack all the heat of fresh, local capsicums to be enjoyed all winter long.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">For the Sweet Tooth</h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3023 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/3.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Almost everyone loves a sweet treat!</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Depending on your giving timeline and ability to keep things fresh and/or cold, you might consider gifting baked goods from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/2e8d9cfe-c06f-4d12-9822-26da19c8c67c">HIM Hearth N Home Cooking</a>, French pastries from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/ada19cb9-aeb6-4ec4-83a4-245bb3c0819a">Valerie’s French Cooking</a> (macarons keep well in the freezer!) or frozen yogurt from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/72523834-ae7f-471e-baea-cb45adadda61">Yotopia: Iowa City’s Original FroYo.</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">For a long-lasting sweet treat, check out <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/f49a0776-9201-4367-8b14-ab7c7e9aaace">Skyline Farm’s</a> huge variety of jams, jellies and preserves, available in 1.5 oz (perfect stocking stuffers!) and full-size 8 oz jars. Skyline grows the majority of produce used in their products on their own farm.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">For the Caffeine Addict</h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3024 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Though coffee certainly doesn’t grow in Iowa, our two Online Farmers Market coffee vendors bring a special local touch to their grounds. The coffee-lovers in your life will appreciate a cup of high-quality grounds unlike what they may be able to find in their local grocery stores and cafes.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8952fd5d-dbde-4412-9ecb-4d5185661b14">Cafe Del Sol Roasting</a> purchases responsibly-sourced organic beans through a reputable importer that travels to the point of origin and develops long-term relationships with farmers and co-ops. The fluid bed air-roaster they use produces clean-tasting coffee, without a harsh edge. Check out their selection of grounds from all over the world!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8750610a-0535-4f08-99d3-00b6a56f08e0">Wake Up Iowa Coffee</a> offers organically grown, thoughtfully selected roasts, bagged and bottled in some of the funkiest packaging you’ve ever seen. Check out their selection of grounds, as well as their locally-famous <a href="https://www.cobraverde.org/">“Cobra Verde”</a> drinks, a citrusy, high-caffeine energy drink derived from Fair Trade green coffee beans.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">For the Health Conscious</h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3025 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/5.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">While fresh produce might not make the best gift (although… why not?), some of our creative vendors have found ways to preserve locally grown goodies at peak-nutrition into gift-worthy local food products.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8a22f405-1afe-4d29-aa91-24608d1c0118">Hue Hill</a> crafts local veggies into “vibrant, live-cultured, powerfully probiotic fermented foods.” The farm’s line of pickled products includes things like krauts, curtido, brines and kim chi. These products are flavorful, nutritious and great for the gut!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/99710d42-ac01-4263-bc6a-410d52397cd4">Buffalo Ridge Orchard’s</a> naturally sweet dried apple chips are a healthy snack available as single bags and in 10-bag cases! These chips pack all the flavor of the orchard’s immensely popular apples into a healthy, shelf-stable snack.</p> <h4 style="text-align: center;">For the Self-Care Guru</h4> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3026 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10 px;" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6.png" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Anyone who loves to feel pampered can appreciate the value of high-quality local bath and body products. Several of our vendors sell spa-day worthy products made with ingredients from local farms.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/4fc0d8c5-652f-41fe-9077-9504cd9613e5">Alpaca Fiber Arts LLC</a> sells a wide range of giftable products, including goat’s milk lotion, body butter and soap in a wide variety of fragrances. According to the vendor, goat’s milk is great for moisturizing and exfoliating! Alpaca Fiber Arts also sells hand-crafted apparel, rugs, stuffed toys, dryer balls and decorative items made from alpaca fiber to help your loved ones feel warm and cozy this holiday season.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/dbc56452-7a3a-4349-903a-43553967098e">Rare Bird Soap Shop</a> makes soaps, lotions, sprays, balms and salves, using local, sustainable and organic ingredients whenever possible. The vendor makes all her products on her Kalona farm.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">In addition to flavorful oil and vinegars, <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/f5df45ff-2b16-4abf-bcd5-6e045ae51523">Pickle Creek Herbs</a> uses their harvest to create herbal soaps, salves and lip balms. We think they smell just as good as the vendor’s culinary products taste!</p> <h4 style="text-align: center;">Tips for Gifting Frozen/Cold Items</h4> <p style="text-align: center;">Some of our most delicious offerings come pre-frozen, such as high-quality meats from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/6251f849-9017-49dc-9238-eab987f23a84">Rapid Creek Ranch</a> and <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/de4c4e41-56bd-4061-a8e9-4d11b4b24dcd">Rehberg’s Pork</a>, sweet treats from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/72523834-ae7f-471e-baea-cb45adadda61">Yotopia</a> or burritos from <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/4c1fe989-9917-4fd2-b6ab-38002e0e6aee">Local Burrito</a> (which Chef Kyle Sieck points out make excellent stocking stuffers!).</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/the-big-thaw-safe-defrosting-methods-for-consumers/CT_Index#:~:text=However%2C%20as%20soon%20as%20they,for%20more%20than%20two%20hours.">The U.S. Department of Agriculture</a> advises that frozen meat shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours, as meat that reaches temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can begin growing harmful bacteria. Consider whether you or your guests must drive less than two hours with the product out of the freezer. If so, can you keep them in the host’s freezer until you are ready to present the gift, and then put them back in the freezer or refrigerator immediately after opening? Another option is to wrap up a printed paper with a description of the products and present that, with the actual products stored safely away the whole while.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Local Burrito’s products are pre-cooked and then frozen, so they are able to stay out of the freezer slightly longer than raw meats. The vendor advises that his products can stay out of the freezer for up to four hours.</p> <p><a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/a11defea-df52-4725-b3c0-0a79a5496178">WW Homstead Dairy’s</a> popular flavored cheese curds can be an excellent edible gift as well. The U.S.D.A. advises that cheddar cheese can be considered safe it it reaches temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to two hours, but we encourage you to try to minimize time spent sitting out as much as possible.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/">Gifting Local Food with the Online Farmers Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/gift-guide/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Tips for Keeping Local on the Table All Winter Long</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:30:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dig in]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[burritos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dairy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eggs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[freezing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[frozen yogurt]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[honey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jam]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jelly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[juice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[meat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Farmers Market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[preserving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sauce]]></category> <category><![CDATA[squash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[storing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vegetables]]></category> <category><![CDATA[winter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=2973</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Winter is coming; it’s time to stock up. There may be only a few Online Farmers Markets left, but you can keep local food on the table all winter long if you start preparing now. Check out our tips below, and remember that spending more now not only gives our vendors a late-season boost, but [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/">Tips for Keeping Local on the Table All Winter Long</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2977 aligncenter" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/50479441428_98701a862c_b.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/50479441428_98701a862c_b.jpg 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/50479441428_98701a862c_b-300x200.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/50479441428_98701a862c_b-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p> <p>Winter is coming; it’s time to stock up.</p> <p>There may be only a few <a href="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/online-farmers-market/">Online Farmers Markets</a> left, but you can keep local food on the table all winter long if you start preparing now. Check out our tips below, and remember that spending more now not only gives our vendors a late-season boost, but means you’ll have fewer trips to the store and better-tasting food in the cold months ahead.</p> <p><strong>1. Stock up on frozen items </strong></p> <p>If you’ve been loving local meat and frozen yogurt all season long, consider whether you have enough freezer space to buy a few months’ worth before the market ends. We recommend getting enough for your household to have a local meat/burrito entrée or frozen yogurt desert one to two times per week for three months.</p> <p>Check out <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/de4c4e41-56bd-4061-a8e9-4d11b4b24dcd">Rehberg’s Pork</a>, <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/6251f849-9017-49dc-9238-eab987f23a84">Rapid Creek Ranch</a>, <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/30d30b61-5d51-4355-b4c8-4d5999d964c9">Twisted Oaks Meats</a> and <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/72523834-ae7f-471e-baea-cb45adadda61">Yotopia</a> for the best frozen options.</p> <p><strong>2. Preserve, preserve, preserve! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2978 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6827929724_0778e75291_b.jpg" alt="" width="353" height="265" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6827929724_0778e75291_b.jpg 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6827929724_0778e75291_b-300x225.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6827929724_0778e75291_b-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px" /></strong></p> <p>Just because your food doesn’t come to you dried or frozen doesn’t mean you can’t preserve it yourself. Most veggies will need to be blanched before freezing (with the exception of onions), but once frozen will last for up to a year. <a href="https://www.mosaicfoods.com/blogs/main/the-ultimate-guide-to-freezing-vegetables">Check out this guide from Mosaic</a> on freezing produce (or do some research on freezing your favorite fall veggie) and pick at least one item to in buy bulk and freeze.</p> <p>We recommend carrots, broccoli, cabbage, chard, kale or basil for produce starters. Remember that many non-produce items also freeze beautifully, including <a href="https://www.juicebuff.com/can-you-freeze-fresh-juice/">juice</a>,<a href="https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/food-nutrition/food-freezing-basics-freezing-dairy-products-eggs-and-other-foods"> milk, butter, cheese and eggs!</a> Perhaps even more exciting: local deserts like cookies, macarons and breads will keep wonderfully in the freezer as well!</p> <p>Plan ahead and spend an afternoon prepping fresh food for the freezer this weekend; you’ll thank yourself later when you’re enjoying local products at peak nutrition in the cold of February.</p> <p><strong>3. Shop for storage produce</strong></p> <p>A lot of fall produce will last longer than you think. <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-store-apples-for-winter-1389143">Apples</a>, for example, will often stay fresh and beautiful in the refrigerator for at least eight weeks. <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-store-potatoes-1389145#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20how%20to,six%20months%20when%20properly%20stored.">Potatoes</a> can last up to six months, winter squash up to four, and<a href="http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/files/251548.pdf"> garlic</a> three to five. If you have a cool, dry, well ventilated space in your home, consider doing a little research and stocking up on storage-friendly fall crops today to enjoy for months to come.</p> <p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2975 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6455921311_8612acd557_b.jpg" alt="" width="363" height="242" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6455921311_8612acd557_b.jpg 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6455921311_8612acd557_b-300x200.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6455921311_8612acd557_b-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px" />4. Fill your pantry with local flavor </strong></p> <p>Don’t forget about the sauces, preserves and seasonings that make food taste so good. In the bleak of winter, a spread of local jam, a dash of fiery hot sauce, a drizzle of sweet honey or a sprinkle of farm-fresh garlic salt can make all the difference.</p> <p>Make sure to check out vendors like <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/c62e887a-86ce-4c3e-bc19-bf12e936884e">Ansel’s Awesome Sauce</a> (hot sauce), <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/f5df45ff-2b16-4abf-bcd5-6e045ae51523">Pickle Creek Herbs</a> (oils and vinegars), <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8a22f405-1afe-4d29-aa91-24608d1c0118">Hue Hill</a> (fermented goodies), <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8952fd5d-dbde-4412-9ecb-4d5185661b14">Cafe del Sol Roasting</a> (coffee) and <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/8750610a-0535-4f08-99d3-00b6a56f08e0">Wake Up Iowa City</a> (coffee) for shelf-stable goodies to keep your taste buds satisfied all winter long.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/">Tips for Keeping Local on the Table All Winter Long</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/stocking-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Field to Family Believes Black Lives Matter</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:16:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=2095</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In Iowa and elsewhere, racial injustice has a long, deep history within the entire food system, from farm to table. Some notable examples include: White Americans own about 98% of farmland—land that was colonized and stolen from Indigenous peoples. Less than 2% of American farmers are black. Less than 1% of U.S. farmland is black-owned. [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/">Field to Family Believes Black Lives Matter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Iowa and elsewhere, racial injustice has a long, deep history within the entire food system, from farm to table. Some notable examples include: </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">White Americans own about 98% of farmland—land that was colonized and stolen from Indigenous peoples.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Less than 2% of American farmers are black. Less than 1% of U.S. farmland is black-owned. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Post-Civil War through the present, racist public policies, historic denial of loans and subsidies and more subtle forms of discrimination have<a href="https://psmag.com/news/african-american-farmers-make-up-less-than-2-percent-of-all-us-farmers"> stolen black-owned land and perpetuated low profits</a> among black farmers. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The majority of farm workers are people of color–mainly Latinx immigrants– who often work in extremely oppressive conditions. </span><a href="http://ciw-online.org/slavery/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Coalition of Immokalle Workers,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a leading farm workers advocacy group, has helped free over 1,200 U.S. farm workers held against their will in the equivalent of modern day slavery. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="http://foodchainworkers.org/resources/books/raceracism/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Color of Food Study,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> food workers of color receive on average 77% of the already-low wages of white food workers, with women of color making considerably less. While these workers prepare and serve food for others, they often struggle to feed their own families. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most workers in the animal slaughtering and processing industry are Hispanic or black, working under highly unsafe conditions worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, according to the </span><a href="https://cepr.net/meatpacking-workers-are-a-diverse-group-who-need-better-protections/#:~:text=A%20Basic%20Demographic%20Profile%20of%20Meatpacking%20Workers&text=Almost%20one%2Dhalf%20(44.4%20percent,(25.2%20percent)%20are%20Black.&text=But%20more%20than%20one%2Dhalf,frontline%20meatpacking%20workers%20are%20immigrants."><span style="font-weight: 400;">Center for Economic and Policy Research. </span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/african-american"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feeding America</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the rate of African American households facing hunger is over twice that of white, non-Hispanic households. One in four black children consistently struggle to get enough to eat. </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Field to Family has always worked toward a fairer and more just community food system, meeting people where they eat to increase access and inclusion. We recognize that a vast amount of work must be done to realize justice of all kinds in Iowa’s food system and beyond. </span></p> <p><b>Field to Family’s Statement on Racial Justice</b></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">As an organization dedicated to advancing local, healthy and sustainable food systems, we understand that racial justice and food justice are intertwined. </span></i><b><i>We believe black lives matter.</i></b><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> We stand in solidarity against all acts of racism and all injustices impacting the lives of people of color. Field to Family’s goal of creating an equitable food system that enhances our community health will require dismantling the many ways racism has shaped how people grow, eat and access food in our region and in this country. This means building a system that includes protections for farmers and farm workers, our environment and our community.</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many of our partners in advancing our community food system –from local farms to food pantries–hold social justice, food justice and racial justice as core values. That’s part of what makes the Eastern Iowa local food community so special and worth supporting. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those seeking to learn more about how food justice intersects with racial justice, take action or donate to organizations supporting food justice for BIPOC can consider starting with the following resources: </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Explore </span><a href="https://www.racialequitytools.org/plan/issues/food-justice"><span style="font-weight: 400;">this toolset</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from Racial Equity Tools providing a thorough collection of research, resources and practices. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get some more background on dismantling food systems racism from</span><a href="https://foodfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DR1Final.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0ntUUYYHSzMa1cCScSwQ71U5q6gvz_IrUA2VxIbV0neytmAPteQeb41i8"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Food First. </span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more about historic struggle of black farmers from the</span><a href="http://www.nationalblackfarmersassociation.org/about_us"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> National Black Farmers Association.</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Participate in the next “21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge“ from </span><a href="https://foodsolutionsne.org/21-day-racial-equity-habit-building-challenge/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food Solutions. </span></a></li> <li>Buy from BIPOC farmers in your area. Online Farmers Market vendors <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/dba097b5-f644-45b3-94c3-cf9ceff23194" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>Garden Oasis LLC</u></a> and <a href="https://orders.fieldtofamily.org/Producer/34a980c0-800a-4d6c-b63c-4199898d5355" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>Red Earth Gardens</u></a> are two examples of a BIPOC-owned farms in eastern Iowa committed to empowering community members through local, sustainably grown food.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Donate to </span><a href="http://www.proteusinc.net/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proteus,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> an Iowa-based organization providing affordable, accessible healthcare to Iowa’s farm worker community</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out this national list of food justice organizations from </span><a href="https://civileats.com/2020/06/02/want-to-see-food-and-land-justice-for-black-americans-support-these-groups/?fbclid=IwAR3AZjH5yusxtOMqGtI0cnrdb-wPNRt7yHZtelq7EkDnD5LPdKvKiTIYjT8"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Civil Eats</span></a> and consider donating time or funds.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/">Field to Family Believes Black Lives Matter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/black-lives-matter/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Guide to COVID Times Local Food Access</title> <link>https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/</link> <comments>https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julia Poska]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:56:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Info]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[access]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cedar rapids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coralville]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coronavirus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CSA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[farmers market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[iowa city]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Iowa city Community school district]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local foods]]></category> <category><![CDATA[marion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mount vernon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online]]></category> <category><![CDATA[solon]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://fieldtofamily.org/?p=2067</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>***Please note that this guide was created for the summer of 2020! While much of the information provided may still be relevant, much will be out of date.*** The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has made the importance of supporting your favorite small businesses clearer than ever before. It has reinforced the value of staying healthy, too. [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/">Guide to COVID Times Local Food Access</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>***Please note that this guide was created for the summer of 2020! While much of the information provided may still be relevant, much will be out of date.***</strong></p> <p>The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has made the importance of supporting your favorite small businesses clearer than ever before. It has reinforced the value of staying healthy, too. It has also <a href="https://time.com/5820381/coronavirus-food-shortages-hunger/">revealed weaknesses</a> across the global food supply chain, interrupting international imports, infecting vulnerable <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/5/19/21259000/meat-shortage-meatpacking-plants-coronavirus">meatpacking</a> and <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/09/farm-workers-coronavirus-309897">farm workers</a> and leading to the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/business/coronavirus-destroying-food.html"> waste of millions of pounds of fresh food</a>. Put the three together, and you have a strong case for filling your plate (and your cup!) with local food products now and into the future.</p> <p>We sent a survey to local producers asking how customers can reach them and their products during this unusual growing season. Find information from those who responded below!</p> <h6>Are you a local producer who wants to be featured in this post? Is your local farmers market open and not featured here? Email julia@fieldtofamily.org.</h6> <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2078 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CSA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="240" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CSA.jpg 1023w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CSA-300x201.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CSA-768x514.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px" />Join a CSA</h3> <p><em>While many CSAs are full for the season, some are still accepting members for summer and fall. A CSA is essentially a subscription that gives buyers a portion of a farmer’s harvest each week. This list will continue to be updated as producers share information.</em></p> <p><strong>Buffalo Ridge Orchard: </strong>Sign up for shares for July and future months (including fall apples!) at <a href="http://buffaloridgeorchard.com/all-bro-products/online-farm-store/.">http://buffaloridgeorchard.com/all-bro-products/online-farm-store/. </a></p> <p><strong>Echollective CSA: </strong>Enroll for fall CSA at <a href="http://www.echollectivefarm.com/csa-sign-up/.">http://www.echollectivefarm.com/csa-sign-up/.</a></p> <p><strong>Morning Glory: </strong>Fall veggie share openings still available as of Sept. 9 2020. Enroll at <a href="https://www.morningglory.community/shop/csa-shares/.">https://www.morningglory.community/shop/csa-shares/. </a></p> <p><strong>Rainbow Roots Farm: </strong>Sign-up for fall CSA opens in July at <a href="https://www.rainbowrootsfarm.com/csa.">https://www.rainbowrootsfarm.com/csa.</a></p> <p> </p> <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1921 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/urbangreens.jpg" alt="" width="309" height="232" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/urbangreens.jpg 960w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/urbangreens-300x225.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/urbangreens-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 309px) 100vw, 309px" /></h3> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Shop Directly from Vendors</h3> <p><em>Many local producers have their own online stores or sell direct-to-consumer through email and social media. A fun bonus– shoppers are often able to see exactly where their food is coming from by visiting the farm to pick up orders. This list will continue to be updated through the season. </em></p> <p><strong>Bass Family Farm: </strong>Order produce, meat, pantry items, ice cream and more through the <a href="https://app.barn2door.com/e/QAbA5/all">online store</a> for on-farm pickup or delivery. Not ready to commit to a CSA? Bass offers $20 “sacks” of produce on a week-by-week basis.</p> <p><strong>Bountiful Harvest CSA: </strong>Order produce and preserves online for drive-thru pickup in Solon, Iowa at <a href="https://bountifulharvestcsa.square.site/.">https://bountifulharvestcsa.square.site/. </a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Buffalo Ridge Orchard: </strong>Order plants, herbs, apple chips and gift cards online at <a href="http://www.BuffaloRidgeOrchard.com">www.BuffaloRidgeOrchard.com</a> for Saturday on-farm pickup in Central City, Iowa.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Calico Farm: </strong>Order fresh produce online at <a href="http://Calicofarmstore.com">Calicofarmstore.com</a> for on-farm pickup in Iowa City. Interested customers can also place orders by calling 319-321-6904.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Cultivate Hope Urban Farm: </strong><a href="https://cultivatehope.square.site/s/order#2">Order online</a> Wednesdays for Thursday pick-up 4-7 p.m. at 437 G Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids. Half-price produce for income qualified customers. <a href="https://www.hub25.org/food/market/">More here. </a></p> <p><strong>Dan and Debbie’s Creamery:</strong> <a href="https://dan-debbies-creamery.square.site/">Order dairy products online</a> for curbside pickup at the farm’s Ely, Iowa store.</p> <p><strong>Ebert’s Honey: </strong>Buy produced-in-Iowa honey and related products <a href="https://eberthoney.com/product-category/honey-pollen/">online. </a></p> <p><strong>Grimm Family Farm: </strong>Order a fresh chicken <a href="http://www.grimmfarm.com/farm-fresh-chicken-1">online</a>. Sold out until October!</p> <p><strong>Grinnell Heritage Farm:</strong><a href="https://grinnellheritagefarm.com/order-online/"> Order fresh veggies online weekly</a> (cart opens every Sunday), and consider tacking a wood oven-fired pizza on while you’re at it. Pick up on-farm in Grinnell, Iowa.</p> <p><strong>Hansen’s Dairy: </strong><a href="https://hansendairy.com/">Order dairy products online</a> for contact-free pick up in Waterloo or Cedar Falls or for delivery.</p> <p><strong>Iowa Delivery: </strong>People living in the Iowa City area can have locally brewed beer and liquor, as well as meals and desserts from local vendors, delivered to their homes. Order at <a href="http://iowadelivery.com">iowadelivery.com.</a></p> <p><strong>Miller Family Homestead: </strong><a href="https://joytobealive.wixsite.com/millerfamhomestead?fbclid=IwAR3_oBFAoRynoXmy-I67MWZz7i0efiGtAerL7O8YaqnZGqJo724QXqy0YQs">Order</a> the Miller family’s beef and beans plus other Iowa-grown goods from their friends and family for on-farm pickup in Riverside, Iowa or delivery within 30 miles.</p> <p><strong>Morning Glory Farm: </strong><a href="https://www.morningglory.community/?fbclid=IwAR1fh6dZX2TilvV3d-yd98M8_lk_vU-7zZ9SdpmK_-QeLweaYbgfGwaaVKc">Shop online</a> for veggie boxes, ready-to-eat salads and more at for on-farm pickup in Mt. Vernon.</p> <p><strong>Oak Hill Acres: </strong>Buy veggies and honey <a href="https://oakhillacres.com/">online</a> for pickup in Iowa City, Davenport or Atalissa.</p> <p><strong>Olson Garden Market:</strong> Buy fresh produce and spices <a href="https://www.stoutsmarket.com/pages/about-us">online</a> for pickup in Grinnell, Iowa or for delivery.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Pavelka’s Point Meats: </strong>Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pavelkas-Point-Meats-1166767146768686/">Facebook</a> or contact loisbill@southslope.net to receive weekly meat information. Order for by-appointment on-farm pickup in Mount Vernon.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Rapid Creek Ranch: </strong>Order local meat and eggs <a href="https://squareup.com/store/shoprcr.">online</a> for on-farm pickup in Oxford, Iowa.</p> <p><strong>Red Earth Gardens:</strong> Order local produce<a href="https://app.barn2door.com/e/3Wq25/all"> online</a> for pick-up in the Sac And Fox/Meskwaki Settlement at the Meskwaki Business Center on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>West Fork Farmstead: </strong>Order meat, eggs, honey and produce online at <a href="http://www.westforkfarmstead.com">www.westforkfarmstead.com</a> for delivery (Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Wellman and Kalona) or on-farm pickup in West Chester, Iowa.</p> <p> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2083 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stand.jpg" alt="" width="328" height="246" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stand.jpg 960w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stand-300x225.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stand-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px" /></h3> <h3>Visit a “Pop-Up” Booth or Farm Store</h3> <p><em>With farmers markets modified for the times, many producers have started setting up their own outdoors “pop-ups” in the community to sell face-to-face to consumers, while others have made adaptations to safely operate their farm stores. Be sure to wear a mask and maintain some distance between yourself and others if you visit!</em></p> <p><strong>Buffalo Ridge Orchard: </strong>Make an appointment on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloRidgeOrchard/">Facebook</a> or with <a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/346997844798516021/false#/invitation">this form</a> to visit the Buffalo Ridge Orchard Farm Store, 1337 Rollins Road, Central City on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.</p> <p><strong>Calico Farm: </strong>Pop-up sales not on a set schedule. Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/calicofarmic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bonnie_at_calico_farm/">Instagram</a> for updates! .</p> <p><strong>Green Share LLC: </strong>Shop from a collective of eastern Iowa producers Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. at Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar in Iowa City. Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greensharecsa/">Facebook</a> for updates.</p> <p><strong>Echollective CSA: </strong>Pop-ups every Saturday from 9-11 a.m. in the driveway at 1003 Ginter Ave. Iowa City. Masks are mandatory.</p> <p><strong>Iowa Grown Market:</strong> Pop-ups at Iowa Grown Market 2613 Newport Rd. NE, Solon on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iowagrownmarket/">Facebook</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iowagrownmarket/"> Instagram</a> for product updates.</p> <p><strong>Squier Squash: </strong>Pop-up sales not on a set schedule. Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Squier-Squash-Donnelly-Farms-346713564022/">Facebook</a> or email squiersquash@netins.net for updates.</p> <p><strong>Stout’s Market:</strong> The Ainsworth farm deals mostly in melons, sweet corn and tomatoes, with some other produce items in the mix. They run numerous roadside stands in eastern Iowa DAILY from early July through Labor Day weekend. Check out their Iowa City stand in Gateway 1 Plaza (outside Fin & Feather on ), or check out info on their other stands<a href="https://www.stoutsmarket.com/pages/about-us"> here.</a></p> <p> </p> <h3>U-Pick Opportunities <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2143 alignright" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/242350527_75ab8906f8_b.jpg" alt="" width="319" height="239" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/242350527_75ab8906f8_b.jpg 1024w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/242350527_75ab8906f8_b-300x225.jpg 300w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/242350527_75ab8906f8_b-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px" /></h3> <p><em>Some farms and orchards offer opportunities for visitors to pick their own locally grown fruit and vegetables on-site. Visiting a farm can be a safe, family friendly activity to enjoy while social distancing. </em></p> <p><strong>Allen’s Orchard:</strong> This orchard in Marion, Iowa offers apples, pears, cherries, pumpkins and more. <a href="http://www.allensorchard.com/">Visit their website</a> for information about the 2020 season.</p> <p><strong>Bagge Strawberries: </strong>Harvest your own strawberries at this farm in Independence, Iowa! <a href="https://www.baggestrawberries.com/">Visit their website</a> for information about the 2020 season.</p> <p><strong>Wilson’s Orchard & Farm: </strong>This Iowa City favorite offers a variety of U-pick products as well as cider, baked goods and other value-added products. <a href="https://www.wilsonsorchard.com/">Visit their website</a> for information about the 2020 season.</p> <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2051 alignleft" src="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/F2F_Online_Market_logo.png" alt="" width="257" height="260" srcset="https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/F2F_Online_Market_logo.png 487w, https://fieldtofamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/F2F_Online_Market_logo-297x300.png 297w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 257px) 100vw, 257px" /></h3> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3>Shop at an Eastern Iowa Farmers Market, in Person or Online</h3> <p><em>Farmers markets remain a great way to connect with local producers. Some have moved online, while others have continued to operate face-to-face under <a href="https://iowaagriculture.gov/sites/default/files/2020/COVID%20resources/Guidance%20for%20Farmers%20Markets_42420.pdf">health and safety guidelines</a> from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. This list is not comprehensive: check with your own city for updates on your local market this year. </em></p> <p><strong>The <a href="https://www.icgov.org/farmersmarket">Iowa City Farmers Market</a> </strong>will continue online via Field to Family’s <a href="https://dne.lgu.mybluehost.me/.website_fc07fb88/online-farmers-market/"><strong>Online Farmers Market</strong></a>. Carts open Tuesdays at noon for pickup Saturday mornings at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp.</p> <p>The <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Farmers-Market/Johnson-Co-Market-239966363352506/">Johnson County Winter Farmers Market</a> </strong>started early this year. Visit the County Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoons to shop from local farmers and makers.</p> <p><strong>The</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.marioncc.org/uptown-marion-markets.html">Uptown Marion Market</a></strong> in Marion, Iowa is currently held the second Saturday of each month in City Square Park.</p> <p><strong>The <a href="https://www.cedarrapids.org/events/farmers-market">Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market</a></strong> is now a drive-thru market held every other Saturday morning.</p> <p><strong>The <a href="https://mountvernonfarmersmarket.org/">Mount Vernon Farmers Market</a> </strong>is held Saturday mornings in person at at Riverwalk Park.</p> <p><strong>The <a href="https://www.coralville.org/250/Farmers-Market">Coralville Farmers’ Market</a></strong> runs Monday evenings as both a drive-thru and walk-up market.</p> <p><strong>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Solonmarket/">Solon Farmers Market</a> </strong>runs in person Monday evenings in the Mushroom Park lot.</p> <h3></h3> <h3>Other Ways to Access Local Products</h3> <p><strong>New Pioneer Co-Op </strong>sells many local products. Meet vendors through the<a href="https://www.newpimarket.com/vendors"> “New Pi Virutal Market.” </a></p> <p><a href="https://bigboymeats.com/"><strong>Big Boy Meats</strong></a> in Cedar Rapids’ New Bo City Market sells locally sourced meat Thursday through Sunday.</p> <p><strong>Local food pantries</strong> partner with organizations like Grow: Johnson County, Feed Iowa First, Field to Family and others–as well as individual farms–to bring fresh, local produce to patrons. If you are someone who visits food pantries or is experiencing food insecurity, be sure to look for and grab some local in-season produce.</p> <p>Other stores and restaurants offer locally grown options as well. Check out Field to Family’s local foods database <a href="https://localfoodsolutions.org/">here. </a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/">Guide to COVID Times Local Food Access</a> appeared first on <a href="https://fieldtofamily.org">Field to Family </a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fieldtofamily.org/covid-access/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>