Karen Wasson has been selling fruits and vegetables at Iowa City-area markets since the mid-80s. Though she grew up raising tomatoes on her parents’ farm, she never expected growing produce to become a decades-spanning career for herself. Wasson Produce started, she said, because her young daughter didn’t want her to go to work. It was […]
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When a community member visits a food pantry, they may not anticipate bringing home bunches of fresh cilantro and cartons of just-picked cherry tomatoes. “People are expecting to get the leftovers,” said John Boller, executive director of the Coralville Community Food Pantry. As of 2016, about 14% of Johnson County residents lacked consistent access to […]
At Echollective Farm, responsible farming means prioritizing the ecosystem and community alike. “So often, the conversation can go far in either direction and not include the other,” said farmer Molly Schintler. To nourish the planet, Echollective uses organic farming practices and intentional conservation methods. They promote biodiversity by cultivating a robust crop rotation and leaving […]
It’s easy to find a pint of locally grown cherry tomatoes in Johnson County, Iowa in September. It’s not so easy to find enough to feed an entire school district. In June 2019, Field to Family evolved into a nonprofit food hub in an effort to tackle that challenge. Our past: How Field to […]
Shopping online has become increasingly popular among consumers, but selling products digitally comes with its own perks, too. Small-scale farmers and business owners can attest: online local foods sales are a win-win for shoppers and vendors alike. In fact, strong demand from vendors was a major factor driving Field to Family to offer a second […]
Farmer Mark Gingerich says if you want the biggest strawberries, go to Walmart. But if you want the freshest, sweetest basket of fruit, pick your own. “I’m a big proponent of agency,” he said. “If you put in the effort to pick your own strawberries, there’s something rewarding about that.” Mark and his wife, Katrina, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]