News

CVRFFN News

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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Stretch your food bucks with free produce from the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Do you have a SNAP/EBT card? Do you want two times the veggies you’re buying now for FREE? Double Up Food Bucks is a SNAP-incentive program aimed at doing just that. At participating Cedar Valley farmers markets and grocery Read more

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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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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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Farm to Fork Dinner 2024 Was a Blast!

On Wednesday, February 7th, local producers and residents from the Cedar Valley came together to celebrate the success in locally based products. 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 Local Food Directory

It is time for the CVRFFN Local Food Directory! Complete this membership form to be included in the 2024 online and print versions! Complete the form no later than February 16th at midnight. 

We want the Cedar Valley to know where 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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Food Insecurity & Local Foods Connect

This event will bring together people with lived experience, community members working in food insecurity, local food partners, and elected officials.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 5:30-7:30 pm

Jubilee UMC Freedom Center, WATERLOO (1621 E. Fourth St.)

Come enjoy a free Read more

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Growing a Culture of Celebration

UNI Local Food Program staff and Nourish Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA members from across the state gathered at Waukee High School June 15-17th for the Community Food Systems and Farm to School Early Care Conference.

This conference was a unique Read more

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What is Grow.Eat.Play?

Grow.Eat.Play brands local food producers and experiences, replacing Buy Fresh Buy Local in 2020, aiming to create memories and support local food communities. Read more
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2023 Farm Crawl and We Ride Bike Ride

On August 13, enjoy a day of local food festivities beginning with a 15-mile bike ride and a self-paced farm crawl across various Waterloo locations, concluding with a social at We Arose Gardens. Free admission, registration required for the bike ride. Read more
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The We Ride Series is back this Sunday, May 14!

The We Ride Bike Series is here to encourage beginners and casual riders to get active and be included in organized rides. Join the crew and experience themed routes designed to highlight our local community in Waterloo and surrounding Read more

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