Feed Iowa First has announced the launch of Global Graze: Raising Funds for Local Farming, a new fundraising event aimed at supporting emerging farmers and strengthening local food systems in Linn County.
Scheduled for Sept. 12 from 5–8 p.m. on the LivingLearning Rooftop of the Cedar Rapids Public Library, the inaugural event will feature street food-inspired dishes created by local chefs in collaboration with area farmers. Tickets go on sale July 17 and are limited.
“This event focuses on local collaboration and growth,” said Jody Josten, executive director of Feed Iowa First, in a statement. “With the local food system facing federal and state funding cuts, it’s crucial that we focus on building connections and resilience where we can.”
Global Graze will raise funds for Feed Iowa First’s Equitable Land Access (ELA) Program, which supports farm entrepreneurs — particularly underserved farmers — through access to land and business development services, a news release states. Participants in the organization’s business incubator program, including local farmer Mari Hunt Wassink, will be featured at the event. Ms. Wassink recently won the EntreFEST statewide pitch competition.
Farm-to-chef pairings are intended to foster future business relationships and help reduce economic “leakage,” a term describing the loss of local income to outside economies. By encouraging consumers and restaurants to source from local producers, organizers hope to create a more resilient regional economy.
Participating restaurants include Big Grove Brewery, The Map Room, The Hangry Lady, Saatvik Swaad and The Hip-Stir.
Elouth Imani, founder of Afro-Iowa Unity Farm and a participant in the ELA program, said the support has been vital to starting his organic produce operation.
“At the heart of my operation is community – I’m passionate about growing more than just organic produce; I’m growing relationships and a healthier future,” Mr. Imani said, in a statement. “The ELA program has helped me find a place to farm, purchase seeds and equipment, and get access to the resources I need to start my farming business.”
Iowa recently lost an estimated $11.3 million in federal funding due to cuts to the Local Food Purchasing Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs, which Ms. Josten said could significantly impact emerging farmers’ access to markets.
“Every dollar counts, and even small shifts in your normal spending can support local farmers and local food, which in turn builds a more resilient food economy,” she said.
