Grinnell Farm To Table brings together food, farmers, and community.
Whether it be through farmer-client relationships, cooking demonstrations, or community meals and events, GFTT is working to revitalize the local food system and foster connections within the Grinnell area. Check out some of our past events below!
“It has been a great benefit to have healthy snacks for the students to pick from. I have several students that come to me regularly for a healthy snack and one child that fills her pockets with veggies so she will have something to eat at home.
Please know you have helped so many students and our staff is very grateful for the impact that Local Foods Connection has made!"
- Lisa Leris, Grinnell Newburg School Nurse
Past Local Foods Connection Events
MICA Thanksgiving 2019
In November 2019, LFC organized a Thanksgiving meal in partnership with Mid-Iowa Community Action and Head Start. The goal of the Thanksgiving event was to connect Grinnell families with young children to food preparation skills, local food, and community. The evening included cooking teamwork among parents, their children, and staff from Local Foods Connection and MICA, culminating in a feast for approximately 40 people to enjoy. The delicious, local food was grown by Iowa producers. Genuine Faux Farm raised the turkeys, while root vegetables and Brussels sprouts were grown by Grinnell Heritage Farm and Middle Way Farm. Grace Community Church provided space and kitchen facilities for the event.
At the end of the event, each family that attended the meal took home a local Thanksgiving package, sponsored by Healthy Grinnell and Local Foods Connection. Each included a local turkey from Genuine Faux Farm, turnips and beauty heart radishes from Middle Way Farm, and Brussels sprouts, potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes from Grinnell Heritage Farm. The packages also came with recipes, a roasting pan, and an assortment of kitchen tools, including a meat thermometer. Families can therefore utilize the food, kitchen supplies, recipes, and cooking skills to prepare and enjoy a local Thanksgiving meal in their own homes.
Images courtesy of Davis Elementary School
davis elementary mini market
In September 2019, LFC helped lead a mini farmers market at Davis Elementary that featured produce from local farmers.
Images courtesy of Grinnell Middle School
Grinnell Middle School mini market
In October 2019, LFC helped lead a mini farmers market at Grinnell Middle School featuring produce from Olson Garden Market, Busy Bee Acres, and Compass Plant CSA.