Changing the Local Food Game
A food hub, a pantry, and immigrant farmers are transforming food access in East-Central Iowa
In Iowa, there is a growing immigrant and refugee population, many of whom come from countries with rich agricultural traditions. However, upon arrival in the Midwest, this population often finds it difficult to access the crops that are familiar to them and a part of their cultural identity.
Like many other new and beginning farmers, Theo and Darius realized navigating the local food system to meet the need for culturally relevant food was not an easy task. From land access challenges to food safety measure requirements, the two farmers found it difficult to grow and sell their crops in a competitive market. Yet, wanting to share the flavors of their home countries, Theo and Darius have successfully established themselves as farmers of local and culturally relevant African produce here in Iowa. In the past year, with the introduction of the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program - managed by Iowa Valley RC&D - Theo and Darius have been able to pursue more opportunities to connect with partners who could purchase and distribute their produce.
With the support of Field to Family (F2F) both farmers, who are a part of the Cedar Rapids-based Feed Iowa First’s Equitable Land Access Program, have expanded their farming operations. Through the LFPA program, Theo and Darius offer wholesale quantities of freshly harvested foods to food pantries, food banks, and other access organizations and institutions. Emily Roberts, F2F Program Manager describes Theo’s contributions to their food hub to be, “over $8,000 [worth] of freshly harvested foods, [including] onions, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, potatoes, slicer tomatoes, white eggplant, cabbage, lettuce, beets, and a new-for-us-crop: dried cranberry beans!” In addition to new crops, Field to Family has introduced new connections through the Iowa LFPA program, such as the one they facilitated between Darius of Nupolu Emerging Farms and the Coralville Community Food Pantry (CVCP).
Field to Family has been working with Coralville Community Food Pantry since before they launched their food hub. Both organizations are committed to sourcing locally grown food as well as crops that have a cultural significance to immigrants and refugees who have made Iowa their home. Such commitments ensure successful and fulfilling partnerships for everyone involved in the Iowa LFPA program. Through the connection with Darius, the Coralville pantry has increased their share of culturally relevant food; especially fresh sweet potato vines which are best eaten within 2 days of harvest - a logistical struggle - with their members. Hai Huynh, CVCP Associate Director, highlights the positive impact of this connection sharing,
“Our members loved the sweet potato vines! 100 lbs. went home with community members who will get to savor the familiar taste of their home countries when sharing dishes around the dinner table…- [all] thanks to the hard work and partnership building of organizations such as Feed Iowa First and Field to Family.”
Such praise reveals the core problem that the Iowa LFPA program seeks to solve; the challenge of connecting the dots in our communities (i.e., connecting people with the right infrastructure). For Theo, Darius, and many others like them who seek to meet community needs, the Iowa LFPA program has been a game changer. Ultimately, the program is providing communities across Iowa with the critical support and opportunities needed for farmers and entrepreneurs of local and culturally relevant food to thrive.
To learn more about the program visit the Iowa LFPA website and read the progress report here.
