CVRFFN News

Buying Freezer Meat: How and Why You Should Buy in Bulk

Purchasing a whole or half animal (commonly referred to as “freezer meat”) is a fantastic way to stock up on high-quality, locally-raised beef, pork, or lamb. Read more
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Local Flavors for a Festive Feast

As we approach the grand feast of Thanksgiving, consider infusing local flavors into your holiday spread. Read more
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Now Recruiting the Next Generation of Food Producers

The journey of becoming a local food producer unfolds a transformative venture that weaves you into the fabric of the land and community. Read more
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Preserve the Local Bounty

As the growing season in Iowa reaches its peak before its rest, farms and farmers markets offer a bountiful array of produce. Preserving this seasonal abundance isn't just about enjoying the flavors of the moment; it's an opportunity to extend the harvest's joy throughout the year.  Read more
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Visit a Farm

Visiting a local farm isn't just a leisurely outing; it's a chance to become an active participant in your local food community Read more
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Pack a Local Summer Picnic

Explore the wonders of utilizing fresh, local ingredients for your summertime picnics, with a playful twist that's perfect for the whole family. Read more
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5 Reasons to Get Kids into the Kitchen

In our fast-paced world, fostering healthy habits in children is vital. Encouraging them to explore the local food system and engage in the kitchen early on offers a range of benefits. Read more
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Eat Local: Why Should I?

We invite you to explore the benefits of sourcing local foods whenever possible. Eating locally benefits:

1. You: Food tastes better and is more nutritious when it’s fresh. In these times, when obesity and diet related illnesses are on Read more

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It’s time for Farmers Markets!

Farmers Markets will open the first week of May. Farmer’s Markets are a great way to support your local economy. In other words, put your dollars into a local hard-working farmer’s pockets! Plus, you purchase high-quality, dense nutrition food Read more

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6 Compelling Reasons to Explore Your Local Farmers Markets

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, local farmers markets stand as vibrant hubs of freshness, community, and sustainable living. As we navigate the choices for our culinary experiences, here are six compelling reasons why you should make Read more

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Get Involved in the Local Food Scene

Our region has lots of ways to get involved in the local food scene. What would you add?

🥬Join a Local Food Coalition: Coalitions bridge relationships, tech, and business for a sustainable local food system—health, economic, and environmental gains. Read more

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Eat Local: Restaurant Edition

The Cedar Valley has incredible chefs and restaurants that are proudly serving local food on their menus! Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re supporting the restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops that look local first. Read more
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2024 Farmers Market Workshop

This is an opportunity for experienced vendors and new vendors to gain knowledge about farmers markets in the Cedar Valley region. Topics will include the new Cottage Law, guidelines from Black Hawk County Public Health, SNAP/EBT, DUFB, Veggie Vouchers, Read more

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Local Food Producer & Buyer Networking Event

Are you interested in purchasing local food for your business? Are you currently purchasing local food but need more suppliers? Are you interested in selling your local food to wholesale markets? Yes, then this event is for you!

This Read more

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Farm to Fork Dinner

This event brings together members of our community to share a table, a story, and a meal, while supporting our local food system.

This incredible four-course meal will be prepared by local chefs utilizing local ingredients. 

We are excited Read more

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2024 Local Food Events Announced

Attend the Local Food Producer/Buyer Networking Event on January 24 to connect buyers with local food suppliers at Diamond Event Center. Post-event networking for producers includes a complimentary lunch and marketing photos. Later, join the CVRFFN Coalition Meeting and Farmers Market Workshop to learn about market guidelines and programs. . Also upcoming: Iowa Eats Festival and Farm Crawl. Read more
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UNI Dining Celebrates Local Food Day

UNI dining loves to celebrate and feature local foods every day, but September 27th was Iowa Local Food Day, and UNI dining was able to feature some special dishes and local ingredients. While the day is geared toward K-12 Read more

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It’s time for Farmers Markets!

Farmers Markets will open the first week of May. Farmer’s Markets are a great way to support your local economy. In other words, put your dollars into a local hard-working farmer’s pockets! Plus, you purchase high-quality, dense nutrition food Read more

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2023 Farm to Fork Dinner was a success!

90 guests attended the dinner on February 8th. There was time to socialize before kicking off the evening with Root Vegetable Bisque with Beet Garnish and Green Salad with Cherry Tomato, Red Onion, Roasted Nuts, Herb Vinaigrette. Jodie Huegerich, Read more

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Become a Grow.Eat.Play member today!

Join the 2023 CVRFFN local food directory.

We want to help you advertise your business and help Cedar Valley customers find great local products! We invite you to be part of the annual Cedar Valley local food directory which Read more

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2023 Marketing Workshop

February 25, 2023 1-4 p.m. Location: TBD

This workshop is for food and farm businesses considering using social media, using social media and/or wanting to learn more about how to effectively social media. Karen Everling, founder of World Grace Read more

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2023 Farmers Market Workshop

February 25, 2023 9 a.m.-noon Location: TBD

Are you a returning farmers market vendor? Are you considering vending at a farmers market? This workshop is for current and future farmers market vendors in the Cedar Valley region. Please join Read more

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2023 Local Food Producer/Buyer Networking Event

This annual event gives local food producers and local food buyers the opportunity to meet and start conversations about products, growing practices, etc. Anyone is welcome to attend. 

February 1, 2023 8:30-10:30 a.m. Diamond Event Center (5307 Caraway Ln) Read more

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2023 Farm to Fork Dinner (previously the Local Food Dinner)-Purchase your tickets today!

After a two year break the annual local food dinner is back! This event brings together members of our community to share a table, a story, and a meal, while supporting our local food system.

This incredible four-course meal Read more

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Iowa Local Food Day & University of Northern Iowa

October is National Farm to School Month, and this year, September 28th was Iowa Local Food Day. The day was designated in 2018 to honor local growers and bring local foods into the schools. The University of Northern Read more

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