Feed Iowa First launches new event to connect local farmers, chefs in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — Feed Iowa First is launching a new signature fundraiser connecting local chefs and farmers for a good cause.

Global Graze, set for Sept. 12, will allow patrons to sample street food from the LivingLearning Rooftop of the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. Tickets, available online for $49.87, will raise critical funding for Feed Iowa First’s Equitable Land Access Program, which supports local farm entrepreneurs and promotes sustainable agriculture across Iowa.

Global Graze plans to feature eight Linn County restaurants including Big Grove Brewery, The Map Room, The Hangry Lady, Saatvik Swaad and The Hip-Stir.

The event, designed to introduce the restaurant community and foodies to the high quality produce being grown by emerging local farmers, will be limited to 200 attendees. Feed Iowa First is planning to hold the new event annually.

“This event focuses on local collaboration and growth. With the local food system facing federal and state funding cuts, it’s crucial that we focus on building connections and resilience where we can," said Jody Josten, executive director of Feed Iowa First. “Many of the farmers in Feed Iowa First’s business incubator program face an uphill battle when building their businesses, including access to land and capital.

Iowa lost an estimated $11.3 million in federal funding due to cuts to the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs. Many of these cuts will greatly impact emerging farmers and cut their access to markets, Feed Iowa First said in a statement.

“Every dollar counts, and even small shifts in your normal spending can support local farmers and local food, which in turn builds a more resilient food economy,” Josten said.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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