September-October 2025 Newsletter

Executive Director’s Message 

As the 2025 federal government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces a critical funding crisis that will leave millions of Americans without essential food benefits.If President Trump and Congress fail to renew or extend funding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that there will be no money available to issue November benefits.

This lapse would have immediate and far-reaching consequences. Families who rely on SNAP to buy groceries will lose this crucial source of food access beginning November 1, 2025. As a result, thousands of low-income households in Iowa will face increased barriers to feed themselves, almost overnight. Food banks and community pantries are already preparing for an unprecedented surge in demand, warning that a suspension of SNAP could trigger a nationwide hunger emergency.

Feed Iowa First maintains that food is an essential human right, and no one should go hungry in our community. Join us in sharing our commitment to feeding our neighbors through increased action this November.

No Hunger this November: A Feed Iowa First Food Drive 

Feed Iowa First will be taking food donations, including our normal vegetable donations, as well as shelf stable pantry items to continue deliveries to food banks. If you would like to make a monetary donation to our food drive, visit this link and include a note that reads “food drive”. Please reach out to Jill Gretter, Distribution and Shop Operations Director to coordinate any vegetable or pantry donations, outside of in person drop off hours. In person donations are accepted from 9am to 3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday.  – Jill@FeedIowa1st.com.

Please consider supporting local food banks RIGHT NOW with donations of food, money, or time during the SNAP benefits lapse. See a list of the following local food banks and distribution resources below:

Linn County Food Resources 

River of Life  
River of Life accepts donations through this link: Click here.
River of Life is open from 8am-10am on Wednesdays.
Phone: (319) 393-3709 

HACAP 
HACAP accepts donations through this link: Click here.
HACAP is from 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
Phone: (319) 393-7811

Mission of Hope 
Mission of Hope accepts donations through this link: Click here.
Mission of Hope accepts donations and deliveries from 9am-2pm, Monday through Friday.
Email: jenny@missionofhopecr.org 

Hiawatha Library Food Pantry  
Hiawatha Library Food Pantry accepts donations through this link: Click here.
Hiawatha Library Food Pantry is open from 9am-8pm, Monday through Thursday, 9am-5pm on Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday.
Phone: (319) 393-1414 

St. Stephen’s Shelves 
St. Stephen’s Shelves accepts donations through this link: Click here.
St. Stephen’s Shelves is open from 4:30pm-6:30pm on Tuesdays.
Phone: (319) 364-2637 

Bethany Lutheran Food Pantry 
Bethany Lutheran Food Pantry accepts donations through this link: Click here.
Bethany Lutheran Food Pantry is open from 8am-4pm, Monday through Thursday.
Phone: (319) 364-6026 

Jody Josten
Executive Director 

NEWS

Wanatee Farm Updates

Jeff Knipper (Farm Operations Manager) holding a large squash.

Look out everyone, our Farm Operations Manager, Jeff Knipper, wants to introduce himself!

“I started my position as the Farm Operations Manager on October 1st, 2025. I have been with Feed Iowa First since June 2024 starting out as a temp farm manager at Wanatee Farm. I’ve been involved in agriculture in one form or another throughout my life.  I was born and raised on a farm and worked in the vegetable garden at a young age as well as helping produce and harvest corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. I have an interest in soil health and I’m constantly researching and learning new farming practices that benefit both soil and vegetable production. In my free time, I enjoy doing outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, watching sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. I am very excited about my new role at Feed Iowa First. I look forward to doing my part in serving this great organization and community.”

Now let’s check out what’s going on at the farm: Fall is in the air, and Wanatee is taking a well-deserved break after a busy summer of growing our favorite produce. Throughout September, we harvested plenty of peppers and tomatoes, along with adding even more color (and great smells) to our cooler with harvests of eggplant, basil, pumpkins, watermelon, cantaloupe, collard greens, okra, the last of our summer squash. Wrapping up our summer harvest, we began harvesting our fall crops through October—kohlrabi, broccoli, and cabbage. But don’t worry—we saved the sweetest harvest for last…. SWEET POTATOES! As the busy season winds down, we’re excited to turn our attention to our fence project to hopefully help keep our “deer” friends away for next season!

Chisom Steele (Seasonal Farm Staff) rolling up irrigation at Wanatee Farm.

Jeff Knipper
Farm Operations Manager

Urban Farm Updates

Isabel (Farm Manager) harvesting popcorn, Yukon Gold potatoes, and Red Pontiac potatoes.

As summer turned into fall, our farm team continued to harvest, experiment, and connect with the community. From indoor crops just like hydroponic greens to field gleaning and volunteer days, there is yet to be a shortage of growth- in our crops and partnerships.

In September, Isabel harvested lettuce and Swiss chard from our hydroponic beds at the shop- which is a huge reminder of what can be done in a small space. Alongside Elli and Chisom, she also gleaned over 500 pounds of fruit from Brucemore and a private donor, bringing total produce to over 1,000 pounds! We were also grateful to have volunteers from Corda Credit Union Blairs Ferry branch join us at St. Stephen’s to help with weeding and fall planting. To top off the month of September, Isabel welcomed the students at Xavier High School to Wanatee Farm and our shop to learn about food insecurity and how Feed Iowa First continues to fight against it.

October brought warm weather that let our team keep growing and harvesting longer than usual. We pulled in 350 pounds of butternut squash from ADM and a successful crop of popcorn at St. Andrew. Isabel is also leading a potato research trial through Practical Farmers of Iowa to see whether early or late planting produces better yields — she’ll share her results at the Cooperators Meeting in December. Our crew, along with volunteers from CRBT, helped wrap up the season at St. Andrew on October 13. When the first frost finally arrived on October 22 — unusually late this year — we made sure nothing went to waste by clearing out every last crop. Isabel and the site ambassadors are now finishing fall shutdowns and planting winter rye as a cover crop to protect and enrich the soil. Inside the shop, Isabel and Elli are experimenting with microgreens — a fun way to keep things growing year-round!

Isabel Schmidt
Urban Farm Manager 

Equitable Land Access Updates

New annual event Global Graze: Raising Funds for Local Farming program.

For me, it was healing and inspiring to see so much grassroots support for our Equitable Land Access program, which aims to reduce barriers to entering farming for producers who have faced historical discrimination and remain underrepresented in this profession. This community support feels especially meaningful at a time when, on the national stage, the USDA has chosen to exclude Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, Asian or Pacific Islander, and women farmers from its “underserved farmer” designation—folks who nevertheless continue to face significant challenges in accessing farm resources. These exclusionary decisions have already resulted in cuts to funding for underrepresented farmers and programs that bring fresh food to the community. So, I want to extend a heartfelt “thanks” to all of you, our supporters, who stand behind our mission, donate resources, and strengthen our resolve to work towards greater equity in our food system.

A special shoutout goes to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cedar Hills Community Church, Buffalo United Methodist Church, and Tom Podzimek for hosting gardeners on their land through our Community Agriculture program this season! We’re winding down all of these sites for the winter, and are already looking forward to planning another bountiful year.

Alora Kraus
Equitable Land Access Program Director

Distribution Updates

Feed Iowa First team cutting tomatoes and tomatillos to freeze for the winter.

After a full summer season, our Veggie Van stops ended in the first week of October.

We had amazing turnouts to finish the season at all our stops. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year! While our volunteer season has come to an end for this year, we are looking forward to 2026. As always, we are looking for more amazing volunteers. If you are interested or know anyone else who would be interested, please send us an email and follow us on all social media to stay connected in the off-season. Please feel free to contact Jill at jill@feediowa1st.com if you are interested!

While our volunteer season has come to an end for this year, we are looking forward to 2026. As always, we are looking for more amazing volunteers. If you are interested or know anyone else who would be interested, please send us an email and follow us on all social media to stay connected in the off-season. Please feel free to contact Jill at jill@feediowa1st.com if you are interested!

As the season wound down, and we made our last stops to our pantry partners, we were reminded of how most of them are in what are considered “food deserts.” Recently, I read an article where food activist Karen Washington suggests we stop using the term “food desert”, as that implies these areas and their lack of access to healthy food are a natural phenomenon. She argues the term is misleading and wrongfully allows communities to bear the blame for what is ultimately a systemic problem. She coined the term “food apartheid” in 2018 to address not just the problem at hand, but why there is a problem in the first place. Food apartheid is a policy choice. For more information, read her interview here.  The addition of the freezer to our shop will have a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve, as it allows us to continue our mission and values to increase health equity in our community by creating a sustainable local food system that removes barriers to nutrient-dense food for underserved populations in Linn County.

EVENTS

FOR YOU

Cozy Recipe of the Month: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Recipe and photo from food52.com

As the weather cools, there’s nothing better than a creamy, comforting dish to warm up your evening. This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese puts a seasonal twist on a classic favorite — rich, cheesy, and infused with earthy herbs like rosemary and sage. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and nutritious, and a delicious way to highlight fall’s harvest flavors.

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cups (about 1 lb) peeled and seeded butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper (plus more for serving)

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (about 3 sprigs)

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage (about 12 leaves)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups warm water, plus more as needed

• 1½ cups (1 12-ounce can) full-fat evaporated milk

• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 1 lb dried pasta (medium shells or elbow macaroni)

• 12 oz sharp white cheddar, grated (about 3 cups)

• 2 oz Parmesan, grated (about ⅔ cup), plus more for serving

Directions

Step 1:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add butternut squash and 1 tsp salt. Cook, stirring often, until the squash is tender enough to mash and beginning to brown (15–17 minutes). Add rosemary, sage, and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 2:
Increase heat to high. Add warm water, evaporated milk, 1½ tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and stir in the pasta — it won’t be fully covered by liquid. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and about two-thirds of the liquid has evaporated (12–14 minutes). If needed, add warm water ½ cup at a time.

Step 3:
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy. Let sit 10 minutes to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add warm water ¼ cup at a time to loosen.

Step 4:
Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper on top.

Natalie Jasso 
Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

SUPPORT US

Your donation will not only provide employment opportunities within our community but also enhance our ability to serve more individuals and families in need of locally grown, nourishing food. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make a significant impact on our mission. Please consider donating today to help us build a healthier, more food-secure future for all.

Considerations for donation: 

• Donation from your IRA.
• Double your Donation: Check to see if your company matches. Collins Aerospace matches 100% and we are also on the match list for ADM, Alliant and many other companies.
• Facebook Fundraiser.
• Check or online donation.
• Corporate Matching: If you work for a company that offers donation matching, your contribution to Feed Iowa First may be matched by your employer. Check with your HR department for details.
• Legacy Gifts: Include Feed Iowa First in your estate planning by leaving a bequest in your will or making us a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. You can also donate to the Feed Iowa First Endowment.
• Volunteer Your Time: While not a monetary donation, donating your time and skills as a volunteer can be invaluable to organizations like Feed Iowa First. You can help with planting, harvesting, sorting, and distributing food to those in need.
• Fundraising Events: Participate in or organize fundraising events on behalf of Feed Iowa First. These can include charity runs, bake sales, auctions, or any other creative fundraising ideas.
• Donate Equipment or Supplies: If you have gardening or farming equipment, seeds, or other supplies that could be useful for Feed Iowa First’s operations, consider donating them.

Our monthly newsletter is a great way of keeping up with us, but be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too so you can always be in the know about what’s up at Feed!