Feed Iowa First launches free produce distribution season

Feed Iowa First, a Linn County-based nonprofit, has launched its 2023 produce distribution season and will be bringing free produce to various locations across the county until late September, according to a news release from the nonprofit.

The nonprofit partners with businesses and organizations around Linn County to grow produce on land that would otherwise be empty lawn space. That produce is collected by volunteers and distributed to local food pantries and the Feed Iowa First Veggie Van.

The produce distribution for this year started on June 12, and will run through the end of September. The nonprofit is delivering food to 10 different community pantries in Linn County, and the veggie van will make stops on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in various Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

The Veggie Van will be out during it’s scheduled times in all weather, unless it’s more than 95 degrees out, in which case the food will be dropped off at the apartment or clinic where the van would be parked. All veggies are free. To avoid scheduling conflicts, anyone is allowed to pick up vegetables for anyone else — kids for parents, neighbors for neighbors, or health care and social workers for clients.

There is no paperwork or registration required. Food is available to anyone, regardless of economic status or other factors.

“Everything we do is on an honor system. Individuals can take as much as their household needs for the week,” said AJ Mortale, distribution and food safety coordinator for Feed Iowa First. According to Mortale, most people take between two and 10 pounds of food each week.

“Our community programs are able to be as successful as they are because of the relationships and trust our organization fosters with the communities we serve. Without this trust, people would probably be unwilling to help fill the needs of themselves or the people around them,” Mortale said.

Since the produce is grown locally, it is seasonal, meaning the same things won’t be available all summer, the release states. In June, clients can expect greens, collards, radishes, peas and garden plants. In July there will be collards, cucumbers, broccoli, beans, greens, cabbage and summer squash. From August to late September expect peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, bitter ball, okra, apples, fall cabbage, winter squash, potatoes, garlic, and sweet potatoes.

Although the distribution through pantries and the veggie van just started, Feed Iowa First has already distributed several hundred pounds of produce this summer, through community partners like Together We Achieve, the Catherine McAuley Center and Community Free Clinic, according to the news release.

Last year, Feed Iowa First distributed more than 46,000 pounds of produce to 26,000 duplicated individuals.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com