Who We Are

Problem: 27% of Poweshiek County residents are categorized in the 2024 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. Many cannot afford healthy, fresh food for their families.

Solution: Grinnell Farm To Table works with local producers and food systems funders to break down economic barriers by providing a curated Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box to families all across Poweshiek County.

A tale of two organizations

In 1999, Local Foods Connection (LFC) was established in Iowa City before moving operations to Grinnell in 2017, to better address the economic and social barriers specific to a rural community. LFC’s mission was to enhance sustainable food systems by making them more accessible to families and individuals in need, while also serving the community as a whole. To reach individuals and households living at less than 200% of the federal poverty line that could benefit from their program, LFC worked with several community organizations and referral partners, including Mid-Iowa Community Action, the Grinnell-Newburg school district, faith leaders, physicians, and others. Referred individuals and households were matched with a farmer and received a no-cost weekly box of fresh vegetables through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share and any needed kitchen supplies. In addition to paying for CSA shares, LFC also provided funding for farmers to make direct drops of produce, eggs, and meat to area food pantries.

As of January 1st, 2023, LFC assumed all of the assets and operations of Grinnell Farm To Table (GFTT). GFTT was previously an LLC owned by Jon Andelson and Tommy Hexter and has served the Grinnell community since 2011 as a local food retail source. Using an online market, farmers and producers are able to list products including dairy, honey, grains, meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and prepared food for sale to local customers. Products are delivered to a central location, sorted and packed by volunteers, and picked up or home delivered to customers. Producers are paid 100% of their asking price and the market charges a surcharge to customers on top of that. As part of the merger, LFC changed its name to Grinnell Farm to Table (GFTT) and assumed the functions of both organizations: 1) hosting a retail online farmers market throughout the year, and 2) running a robust food access program including providing no-cost CSA shares to low income families and deliveries of local food to area food pantries.

How you can help feed Grinnell?

To fulfill our mission, LFC relies on grant funding and donor support. In 2024, over 76% of our income went directly toward food purchases. Donations and word of mouth are crucial to our success!