News

CVRFFN News

Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Overview

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) are Congressionally-authorized programs designed to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared fruits and vegetables to women, infants, children, and low-income seniors while promoting sales and awareness of Read more

Read More

Expanding Access to Fresh Food: The Impact of the Veggie Voucher Program

Veggie Vouchers are only possible through grants and donations.You can make an impact in the nutrition security of our community by making a donation to our current Veggie Voucher Campaign. Our goal of raising $10,000 by June Read more

Read More

SNAP in Iowa: A Resource for Healthier Living

SNAP in Iowa: A Resource for Healthier Living

Food should never be a worry, yet for many families, stretching a grocery budget can be tough. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) exists to help make sure that individuals and Read more

Read More

5 Reasons to Get Kids into the Kitchen

Encouraging kids to explore the local food system and get involved in the kitchen offers benefits that extend well beyond mealtime Read more
Read More

What Does “Local” Really Mean?

When you hear the phrase “eat local,” you might think of farmers markets or backyard gardens—but “local” can mean different things to different people. Read more
Read More

CVRFFN Upcoming Meeting: May 14, 2025

Join other farmers, producers, and local food system stakeholders at our upcoming meeting on May 14, 2025. The topic for this meeting is “Finding Local Food.” Speakers will discuss marketing strategies, branding, and where to find–or sell–locally grown and Read more

Read More

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

Read More

Farmers Markets: The Heart of Local Food Culture

Farmers markets are more than a shopping destination—they’re vibrant hubs of flavor, connection, and community. Every visit supports the hardworking producers and celebrates the unique food culture of your region. As we navigate the choices for our culinary experiences, Read more

Read More

Farm to Fork Recap

2025 Farm to Fork Dinner Blog

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

At the 2025 UNI Local Food Program’s Farm to Fork Dinner, 130 members of the community gathered at the Diamond Event Center for a delicious dinner that celebrated local food. Attendees began the evening by Read more

Read More

Grow Your Reach: Apply for the 2025 Waterloo & Cedar Falls Farmers Markets

farmers market stalls at the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market

As a farmer, there’s no better way to connect with your community and share your hard workthan through farmers markets. Both the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market (WUFM) and theCedar Falls Farmers Market (CFFM) offer incredible opportunities to showcase Read more

Read More

Classic Rice Pudding

This classic dessert is a great way to use up leftover rice. It can also be a fun twist on pre-cooked rice if you’re looking to mix things up. Lightly sweet, creamy, and the dried fruit adds a fun Read more

Read More

Lentil Sloppy Joe Recipe

lentil sloppy joe on a bun

Lentils are a majorly underrated food–in part because delicious recipes for lentil dishes can be difficult to find! While many delicious lentil soup recipes populate the internet, this Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe is great for the summertime, when barbeques Read more

Read More

Get Involved in the Local Food Scene

This month, we’re shining a light on the many ways you can engage with our region’s vibrant local food community. Whether you’re looking to build connections, share resources, or give back, there’s a place for everyone to get involved.

Read more

Read More

Producer/ Buyer Networking Event Recap

22 January 2025 – Diamond Event Center, Cedar Falls, IA

Visitors of the Diamond Event Center might have been surprised to hear a cow bell ringing the morning of January 22, 2025. No, a stray cow wasn’t roaming the Read more

Read More

Show Some Love to Your Local Chefs This Valentine’s Month ❤️

This Valentine’s season, let’s celebrate the chefs and restaurants that bring our local food scene to life. Read more
Read More

Resolutions That Aren’t “Eat Healthier”

Tired of resolving to “eat healthier” every new year? It’s such a common goal, yet it often lacks direction or purpose. Instead, aim for realistic, actionable resolutions that not only put your physical and mental health into your own Read more

Read More

2025 Local Food Events

Find a local food event in the Cedar Valley region. Read more
Read More

2025 Farm to Fork Dinner

This locally sourced meal will be prepared by Diamond Event Center chefs on Feb. 5th, 2025. Read more
Read More

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
Read More

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

Read More

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
Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More