July-August 2025 Newsletter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
With harvest in full swing, we are staying busy at Feed. Our internal team is feeling the momentum as we welcome new team members and prepare for the last push through harvest and distribution. We are also coming up on the launch of our inaugural annual Global Graze event, hosted at the LivingLearning Rooftop at The Cedar Rapids Public Library downtown. There is still time to purchase your ticket: Global Graze 2025 Ticket
We are thrilled to feature several Equitable Land Access Program Farms: Elouth Imani from Afro-Iowa Unity Farm, Mari Hunt Wassink from Black Earth Gardens and Akola Parou from AP Farms, and one Equitable Land Access Program Graduate, Darius Nupolu from Nupolu’s Emerging Farms. Farmers will be partnered with chefs to create signature dishes. We are thrilled to feature Big Grove Brewery, Black Sheep Social Club, The Hangry Lady, The Hip-Stir and Saatvik Swaad. The Map Room will be serving a signature cocktail and pouring “Neighborhood Beer” from Big Grove Brewery. Thank you to ITC and Alliant Energy for their sponsorship of this event:
Feed Iowa first will host a vegetable tasting, featuring unique produce and showcasing the quality of the produce that we grow. Many people don’t realize that the produce we grow spends less than 72 hours in a cooler before it’s distributed to families in need. Due to GAP safety standards, and our chemical free practices, our produce is among some of the best organic farms in the area. At the event, there will be opportunities to learn more about the famers in our program, our mission and organization, as well as a silent auction with beautifully curated products up for bid. If you have already purchased your ticket, thanks for your support, we can’t wait to mingle with you on the 12th! If you haven’t, there is still time! Join us for this fabulous evening celebrating local food and purveyors!
Jody Josten
Executive Director
NEWS
Wanatee Farm Updates
The farm is buzzing with energy this season as summer reaches its peak. From daily upkeep in the fields to the excitement of new projects and harvests, there’s plenty to share. In addition to the ongoing care of weeding and mowing, we’ve welcomed an important new addition to the farm: a cooler container for the Equitable Land Access farmers. This new resource will provide much-needed storage and will help keep produce fresh as harvests continue to grow. Preparations are already underway to get everything in place so it’s ready to use soon.
July and August have been especially abundant. Our fields have produced a wide variety of crops, including cabbage, peppers, zucchini, summer squash, okra, and green beans. Just as of recently, tomato season officially kicked off, and we expect the harvest to expand quickly in the weeks ahead. Our basil and eggplant are also thriving, adding more diversity to the season’s offerings. As we move further into late summer, you can expect to see more peppers, tomatoes, and collard greens filling the fields and harvest bins. At the same time, we’ve begun preparing for fall. Plantings of broccoli, cabbage, and green beans are already in the ground and taking root, setting us up for a strong transition into cooler weather crops.
While summer vegetables take center stage, we’re keeping a close eye on crops that take a little longer to mature. Pumpkins and melons are steadily developing, and they’re looking healthy and strong. These favorites are shaping up beautifully and will bring a welcoming splash of color and sweetness as autumn approaches. This time of year truly showcases the farm at its best—lush fields, plentiful harvests, and the promise of more to come. Every week brings new produce to enjoy and new signs of progress for the months ahead.
Jeff Knipper
Farm Operations Manager
Urban Farm Updates
July brought heat and rain, and the plants have certainly responded. The fields have been taking off, and we’re now seeing an abundance of squash, zucchini, and cucumbers coming in. Onion harvest has also been underway, while our spring crops are beginning to fade to make room for fall plantings. The farm is steadily shifting from one season to the next, setting the stage for what’s ahead.
As August arrived, I temporarily stepped in to assist with distribution, and during that time our incredible site ambassadors jumped right in to help with harvesting. Their dedication kept everything running smoothly and ensured that fresh produce continued to reach the community. Our fruit trees at Brucemore and St. Stephens are also looking strong, and this month I was able to harvest the first plums at Brucemore. Potatoes are nearly ready as well and will be harvested soon, adding to the growing variety of crops coming in from the fields.
It’s been a season of transition, with early crops winding down, summer harvests overflowing, and fall crops and fruits promising even more abundance in the weeks ahead.
Isabel Schmidt
Urban Farm Manager
Equitable Land Access Updates
Elouth and Akola took a break from the farm this week to attend the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit in Moline for a whole day of inspiring talks, informative sessions, and networking. All the farmers have been working on building client relationships, especially with local restaurants in preparation for our inaugural Global Graze event on September 12, where we’ll celebrate local foods and farmers the best way we know how (by eating!).
On the Community Agriculture side, I met with Community Agriculture ambassadors, current gardeners, aspiring gardeners, an interpreter, and the interested public at a meet-and-greet event at Cedar Hills Community Church, where we manage 39 garden plots in partnership with the church. All 39 plots are cultivated by immigrants. It was a celebration of diversity, recognition of the long and often trying journeys the gardeners have made from their homes, and appreciation for the ways they give back to the community through their practice. Shoutout to Bruce Boldt, our Cedar Hills ambassador, for organizing the event!
Alora Kraus
Equitable Land Access Program Director
Distribution Updates
Help us welcome our Shop Operations Director, Jill Gretter!
“I live in Iowa City, with my two children Hunter and Thor, my two cats MJ and Bubba, a dog Nina, and various neighborhood kids! Always action packed at my house, with kids and sports and school activities. I have a small garden at home, where the delicata squash is flourishing this summer, and I am patiently waiting for my cherry tomatoes to pop. Prior to FIF, I was employed at Rainbow Roots Farm in Iowa City, where I worked in washing and packing fresh veg for our CSA, farmers market, and restaurant deliveries. I also worked at Camp Creek Organic Produce in Kalona as wash/pack lead, as well as managing the greenhouse, managing all of the watering on the farm, and I helped the farm crew with planting and harvesting. I also got to work the CSA pickups and helped at the farmers market in Iowa City. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, doing tarot, and the WNBA. Go FEVER!”
Melanie Fetter
Food Safety and Distribution Coordinator
EVENTS
Global Graze: Raising Funds for Local Farming
Mark you calendars for Friday, September 12th, from 5pm to 8pm at the Living Learning Rooftop City (450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401) for our new annual event, Global Graze!
This exciting new signature rooftop event is a delicious fusion of international flavors and local food, featuring globally inspired street food crafted by talented local chefs in collaboration with area farmers. Each dish is a unique celebration of Iowa-grown ingredients brought to life through diverse culinary traditions from around the world.
Buy your ticket today: Global Graze 2025
What to Expect:
- Creative street food tastings from chef-farmer teams
- Rooftop views, live entertainment, and community vibes
- A chance to meet the people growing and preparing your food
- A silent auction, benefiting Feed Iowa First
- Supporting local farming and food equity in Iowa
Produce Shed is Open!
Do you have extra veggies in your garden? Don’t let them go to waste and drop them off at the Produce Shed!
Located at 1506 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
We accept fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been sprayed and we do all of the washing and sanitizing before distribution!
Drop-offs are accepted Monday-Friday, from 6am-4pm.
All you have to do is place the produce in our cooler, and fill out the form, we will do all the rest.
Monday Volunteer Night
Where: 1506 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401When: Every Monday night
Time: 4pm-6pm
What to bring: Yourself (and a friend)!For more information about volunteering with Feed, fill out the forms above, check out our website, or reach out to Outreach@feediowa1st.com.
Urban Farm Volunteer Dates:
Join Feed Iowa First’s Weekly Weeding Crew!
Feed Iowa First is seeking dedicated volunteers to support our mission of cultivating healthy communities through urban agriculture. Our Weekly Weeding Crew meets every Wednesday from 1–3 PM at various urban garden sites across Cedar Rapids and Marion. Together, we can nurture both food security and community connections.
What to Bring:
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Water
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Sunscreen
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Closed-toe shoes
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(Optional) Headphones for your personal music
Feel free to invite a friend to join! No gardening experience is required — just a positive attitude and a willingness to lend a hand.
If Wednesdays do not work for you, there are flexible volunteer opportunities available throughout the week. Please contact Farm@feediowa1st.com for more information about how to get involved at a site near you.
Let’s grow something great together. 🌿
SHOUTOUTS
School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s
“Found in Translation”
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a vibrant community of African immigrants is reshaping the local landscape through agriculture, faith, and family. The University of Iowa’s ISLE 2025 journalism project delves into these transformative narratives, uncovering how these individuals are cultivating belonging in a new land.
The ISLE 2025 project illuminates the journeys of African immigrants who, upon settling in Cedar Rapids, have turned to farming to reconnect with their agricultural roots and provide culturally relevant produce to their communities. Through partnerships with organizations like Feed Iowa First, these farmers are not only nourishing their families but also contributing to the local food system and economy.
Faith plays a central role in the lives of many African immigrants in Cedar Rapids. The ISLE project highlights how religious communities serve as pillars of support, offering spiritual guidance, social connections, and a sense of belonging. These faith-based networks are instrumental in helping immigrants navigate the challenges of resettlement and build a life rooted in purpose and community.
Family is a recurring theme in the ISLE 2025 narratives. Whether it’s the decision to raise children in the U.S., the challenges of leaving extended family behind, or the creation of family-oriented businesses, these stories underscore the importance of familial bonds in the immigrant experience. The project showcases how these families are not only adapting to their new environment but also enriching it with their traditions and values.
Through a rich tapestry of multimedia storytelling, ISLE 2025 brings these experiences to life, offering an intimate look into the lives of African immigrants in Cedar Rapids. The project serves as a testament to their resilience, contributions, and the vibrant communities they are building.
FOR YOU
Okra Stew
This hearty okra stew brings together tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rich spices for a bowl full of comfort. Naturally thickened by okra and perfect with rice or fufu, it’s a nourishing dish you’ll want to share.
Ingredients
- Okra
- Chicken (or beef, pork, lamb)
- Chicken stock
- Bouillon powder
- Paprika
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
Directions
1. Prepare the okra – If using fresh okra, rinse thoroughly under running water. Trim off the tops and tails, then slice into rounds. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken – Pat chicken pieces dry, then rub them evenly with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Brown the chicken – In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the aromatics – In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated or minced ginger. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and fragrant.
5. Add tomatoes and seasonings – Stir in diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and bouillon powder. Mix well and let simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend and the sauce can thicken slightly.
6. Add chicken stock – Pour in the chicken stock, stir, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
7. Return chicken and add okra – Place the browned chicken back into the pot, followed by the prepared okra. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 15–20 minutes, or until the okra is tender. If the stew becomes too thick, add a splash of water or more stock. The okra will naturally thicken the stew as it cooks.
8. Serve – Spoon the stew over hot rice or serve with fufu for a traditional pairing. Enjoy while 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.
Donate: https://www.feediowa1st.com/donate/
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!
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