Field to Family has been selected to operate The Market Basket neighborhood grocery store at NewBo City Market.
The announcement May 8 culminates an extensive search for a NewBo Market grocery operator, one of the most anticipated features of the market’s “Next Level Local” expansion project.
Field to Family, a nonprofit organization founded in Johnson County in 2018, works with more than 70 local food producers. According to a release, the food hub is now expanding its impact into Linn County and beyond, “helping to build a more sustainable, regional food distribution network.”
To celebrate the milestone, NewBo City Market and Field to Family will offer free, fresh, local produce to market patrons throughout the summer, supported by the Transamerica Foundation, the City of Cedar Rapids, and the Linn County Fund.
The seasonal produce will be distributed during NewBo’s “Rock the Block” summer concert series., furthering the market’s mission to connect people through food, music, and shared experiences.
From 6-8 p.m. during each concert event, all donations to the “Next Level Local” capital campaign will be matched by Cedar Rapids City Council member David Maier and NewBo Market Director of Equitable Business Development Matthew McGrane.
Market officials also announced that construction of the Next Level Local expansion,officially set to begin in September, will be powered by Russell Construction Company, a family-owned firm with decades of experience. The project is being designed by local architect Andrew Ballard, owner of Studio Combine.
“It is an honor to partner with NewBo City Market on this project, which reflects our aligned values and mission of building great communities,” Russell Construction president Caitlin Russell said. “This expansion represents a meaningful commitment to Cedar Rapids’ future, and we are excited to be a part of the purpose-driven growth taking place here.”
The “Next Level Local” project, with a total budget of $6.1 million, will add a second floor to the interior of the market’s Rotary Hall. The plan includes balconies for outdoor patio space, a free coworking lounge, a podcast studio, a mental health therapy clinic, a family sanctuary, a food production kitchen and an indoor stage for live events, in addition to the neighborhood grocery store.
There are also plans to open the market seven days per week once the expansion is complete. Currently the market is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information and construction updates, go to newbocitymarket.org/nextlevel or follow @newbocitymarket on social media.
