It’s my pleasure to introduce Bertin Nduwayezu as the newest participant in our Business Incubator at Wanatee Farm. Bertin previously farmed in our Community Agriculture program at Cedar Hills Community Church, growing corn, beans, and spinach. He has been an invaluable group leader there as well. Bertin has helped organize and communicate with other gardeners, translated at field days for Kirundi and Swahili speakers, and overall created a bridge between cultures.

When asked to introduce himself to our network, Bertin had this to say:

“Hi, my name is Bertin and I’m a new member of the business incubator. This project will be beneficial to my family and community for food security, both in terms of health and finance. I joined the program because I want my family to eat organic food, to be economically secure, and to decrease the food preservatives and chemicals that have been poured into our community. The following are the types of vegetables that I will grow on my farm: sweet corn, eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and other greens that the community can use.”

Welcome to the farm, Bertin!

Alora Kraus
Equitable Land Access Program Director

Careers

We’re hiring! Feed Iowa First currently has three open positions. Check out the details below to see which opportunity could be the right fit for you.

Distribution Specialist:
The Distribution Specialist plays a key role in ensuring nutrient dense, locally grown produce reaches community members who need it most. This position manages day-to-day operations at the Feed Iowa First shop, including processing and tracking produce, coordinating volunteers, and helping lead distribution through the Veggie Van, partner pantries, and community fridges. The role also works closely with community partners and staff to support safe food handling, maintains record, and keeps distribution systems operating smoothly. It’s a hands-on position for someone passionate about food access, community management, and supporting a more equitable food system.

Vegetable Farmer:
The Vegetable Farmer role is hands-on in growing and harvesting fresh produce that supports community food access efforts. Working closely with our Operations Director and our Urban Farm and Partnership Manager, you will be connected to a network of 30 urban and rural growing partners. This position helps plant, maintain, and harvest crops while supporting field operations and equipment upkeep. The role also assists with community distribution through the Veggie Van and engages with volunteers to support daily farm activities. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys physical outdoor work and wants to contribute to sustainable agriculture and local food security.

Operations & Volunteer Management AmeriCorps VISTA:
This Operations & Volunteer Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA position is based at Feed Iowa First and is supported through the Nourish Iowa program. The role helps advance Nourish Iowa’s mission by leading volunteer recruitment, engagement, and coordination efforts that strengthen local food access initiatives. As the Operations & Volunteer Engagement VISTA, you will strengthen Feed Iowa First’s systems for food distribution, data tracking, and volunteer engagement to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
For more information about these roles, hourly rate, and how to apply, visit our career page!

ANNOUCEMENTS

Produce Donations

We are no longer accepting produce from home gardens due to limited staff capacity.
Alternatively, produce may be donated directly to The Cultivate Hope Corner Store, 604 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids, Monday–Saturday, 9:00am–7:00pm. Donated produce will be made available free of charge to neighbors in need through their grocery store. Please ensure all items are fresh, clean, and free of damage.
For donations of non-perishable goods please refer to Linn- Food Assistance  to find a food pantry near you.

Volunteer with Feed Iowa First

As the growing season approaches, we’re getting ready to return to the fields, gardens, and distribution sites that help bring fresh produce to our community. Volunteers play a vital role in this work—from planting and harvesting crops to helping distribute food across Linn County. With the season starting soon, there are many ways to get involved and support local food access.

Wanatee Farm

Wanatee Farm is a great fit for volunteers who enjoy spending time outdoors and working with their hands. Volunteers help with seasonal farm activities like planting, weeding, and harvesting produce at our rural farm site. Work takes place outside and involves light to moderate physical activity while supporting our growing efforts. Opportunities are available as one-time, weekly, or seasonal commitments.

Urban Farms 

Urban Farms are perfect for volunteers who enjoy gardening and working in community spaces. Volunteers help plant, harvest, and care for crops while maintaining raised beds at sites across the community. Work takes place outdoors and offers a chance to connect with staff and fellow volunteers while supporting neighborhood growing spaces. Opportunities are available as one-time, weekly, or seasonal commitments.

Distribution

Distribution is a great option for volunteers who want to support food access in a hands-on way. Volunteers help wash and pack produce for distribution and assist with keeping our shop space organized. This role involves simple, repetitive tasks and working alongside staff and other volunteers in a collaborative setting. Opportunities are available weekly on Monday evenings from 4–6 PM or as drop-in shifts when available.

Veggie Van

Veggie Van is a great opportunity for volunteers interested in supporting mobile food access across the community. Volunteers help load produce and supplies and assist with distribution at different locations. This role involves some movement and interaction with community members while helping make fresh food more accessible. Opportunities are available through scheduled shifts with recurring volunteer options.

*If you are interested in volunteering with us, fill out our interest form and take a look at our Volunteer Handbook!

Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Interest Form

SPOTLIGHT

Grow, Share, Nourish

Our Grow Don’t Mow program began as a simple idea: transform underused land into spaces where food can grow. By partnering with local businesses, faith organizations, schools, and volunteers, we turned underused lawns across Linn County into productive growing spaces that provide nutrient-dense produce for community members experiencing food insecurity. 

Over time, this work expanded beyond urban growing sites. Today, food is grown at both Urban Farms across Marion and Cedar Rapids, as well as Wanatee Farm, our 11-acre rural farm. We also collect produce donations through partnerships with local farms. That produce then moves through our Produce Distribution program, which delivers fresh produce directly to community members.

As these efforts grew and became more interconnected, we began thinking about how the program’s name could better reflect the full scope of our work. In August of 2025, our board and team participated in a collaborative word association exercise to give a new name to the program’s identity. From that process, Grow Don’t Mow evolved to Grow, Share, Nourish (GSN) – a name that captures how we grow, rescue, and share food across the community. 

Today, Grow, Share, Nourish brings together our farming, gleaning, and distribution programs under one umbrella, highlighting the full cycle of our work. While the name has changed, our commitment to expanding food access across Linn County remains the same.

FOR YOU

Recipe and photo from budgetbytes.com

Cabbage Steaks

Are you looking for a show-stopping meal that’s heavy on the flavor but low on the budget? These delicious cabbage steaks from BudgetBytes are crispy, savory, and surprisingly satisfying – even for folks who didn’t think cabbage could be the star of the plate. For more affordable and savory meal options, check out BudgetBytes.

• 1 small head of green cabbage

• 2 tsp canola oil

• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• ½ Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Directions:  

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cabbage into 1/4 or 1/8 wedges depending on the size of the cabbage you have. You want to leave the stem intact to help it stay together for this recipe!

2. Sear steaks it in a hot cast iron skillet with canola oil until deeply browned on both flat sides, about 5 minutes per side.

3. Prepare your sauce by whisking the balsamic vinegar, vegetable broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper together, and simmering it on the stove while your cabbage finishes searing.

4. Pour marinade into the hot skillet with the cabbage before transferring it to the oven.

5. Let cabbage steam and bake in the oven with the sauce for 25-30 minutes. Once the cabbage is noticeably wilting around the edges and darkening in color, it’s done.

6. Remove cabbage wedges from the skillet and add 1-2 Tbsp of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce to your liking.

7. Spoon sauce over the cabbage steaks and serve hot!

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!