Grinnell Farm To Table (GFTT) connects Poweshiek County area residents with farmers and producers in the surrounding area to create a healthier, more environmentally sustainable, regional food system and increase access to local foods.
Problem: 39% of Poweshiek County residents are categorized in the 2023 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. These individuals were recognized as essential to our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic but many cannot afford healthy, fresh food for their families.
Solution: Grinnell Farm To Table is working to break down economic barriers by providing nutrient-dense foods, meal preparation education, and community support to families all across Poweshiek County for free or whatever price they can pay.
Local Foods Connection’s mission is to enhance Grinnell’s sustainable food system by making it more accessible to families and individuals with limited means.
We aim to increase the opportunities for these community members to enjoy fresh, healthy food, connect with local farmers, and expand their skills and knowledge of cooking and nutrition. In March 2017, Local Foods Connection moved operations to Grinnell, IA, from Iowa City where it had operated since 1999.
Grinnell Farm To Table purchases produce, bread, eggs, meat, dairy, honey and other products from local, small family farms and sells and donates these goods to families in Poweshiek County. We provide opportunities for families to visit a farm and to learn healthy cooking methods. With your support, we assist families who cannot afford healthy food, strengthen our local foods network and empower the farmers who serve our community. Our vision is a local, sustainable food system that is accessible to everyone.
On our client referral form we ask for community partners to refer families who may be interested in receiving fresh, local food regularly. We target those who are low-income, but who also might have a permanent physical disability, mental illness, families with children, homeless youth, veterans, abuse victims and at-risk elderly.
Once a family or agency is accepted by Grinnell Farm To Table, they will learn about and have access to fresh, local food. Clients receive food in one of three ways:
Credit to use with a farmer at the Grinnell Farmer's Market,
Credit on a wholesale purchasing account with a farm through agencies (MICA or Station Clubhouse are good examples of who receives food through this avenue), or
Enrollment in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group.
How you can help feed Grinnell?
Local Foods Connection strives to enhance Grinnell’s sustainable food system while making nutrient-dense, local food accessible to individuals and families with limited means. To fulfill this mission, LFC relies on grant funding and donor support. In 2019, over 70% of our income went directly toward food purchases. Donations and word of mouth are crucial to our success!
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