Local Food Program
Strengthening Iowa's local food economy
The Local Food Program at the CEEE works to develop a local and regional food system that positively impacts consumers, farmers, and communities through education, collaboration, and economic development.
Our team works hand-in-hand with our valued partners to develop a diverse array of tools, education, experiences, and programs with the overarching goal of making food production and local food consumption accessible to everyone. We understand the importance of fostering self-sufficiency and supporting local economies. We create experiences that connect communities with the joy of growing and harvesting their own produce. In collaboration with our partners, we strive to create a food system that encourages not only self-sustainability but also a collective effort to purchase locally sourced food, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
A Garden in Every Lot
Renewing our community's culture of gardening!
Our Garden in Every Lot program helps community members with starting a backyard garden and manages a number of community gardens in the area.
CVRFFN Coalition
CEEE is the leader of the Cedar Valley Regional Food & Farm Network (CVRFFN) Coalition. Our coalition consists of a number of individuals, community partners, businesses, and leaders working together to positively impact our local food system.
Grow.Eat.Play
Your guide to local food in the Cedar Valley
Grow.Eat.Play in the Cedar Valley is designed to cultivate a thriving local food culture in our region. We can help connect you with local farmers and producers, farmers markets, and businesses supporting local food. Overall supporting a robust and flourishing local food economy.
Nourish Iowa VISTA
Increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Iowa's communities.
Nourish Iowa is an AmeriCorps VISTA program working towards the elimination of poverty through capacity-building projects. These projects incorporate land access, transportation, and financial support as integral pieces to abundant food access and each person's opportunity to choose the foods they eat.
SPROUT Garden
The SPROUT Garden at the CEEE is a resource to support student engagement and production, garden education & service learning, volunteer training, and demonstration plots.
We engage students, staff & faculty, AmeriCorps members, and the community in volunteer and learning opportunities around gardening, local food, wellness, alternative ground management practices and more! All produce from the garden is donated to UNI's Panther Pantry to support food access for students.
Veggie Vouchers
Locally financed program increasing access to fruits & vegetables among vulnerable and under-served populations. We partner with a number of local clinics and non-profits to distribute these vouchers to meet local food needs in our community.
Save the Date!
Farm to Fork Dinner
February 4th, 2026
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Diamond Event Center, Cedar Falls, IA
Contact: Jodie Huegerich, UNI Local Food Program Manager | jodie.huegerich@uni.edu
Stay tuned for additional details!
Local Food Resources
Farmers
We support local farms by connecting them with markets and strengthening the farming community. Beyond matchmaking, we build farmer networks and offer educational programs to help direct-marketing farms succeed. Our efforts foster resilience and sustainability in regional agriculture.
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- Farm to Institution - We can help connect you to wholesale buyers including schools, grocers, restaurants, and caterers. Join us in January and July for our annual local food producer/local food buyer networking events.
- Local Food Guide - Each January and February, you have the opportunity to join our Cedar Valley Local Food Guide. We want the Cedar Valley to know where to purchase their local products. We produce both an online, searchable directory and printed version to distribute in the Cedar Valley. Check out the membership benefits and membership criteria.
- CVRFFN Coalition - Get involved in our coalition where individuals and organizations passionate about food come together to learn and share ideas and projects.
Contact Jodie Huegerich at jodie.huegerich@uni.edu for more information.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are lively community spaces where local farmers, artisans, and vendors sell fresh, seasonal produce, handmade goods, and other locally sourced products. They offer a direct connection between growers and consumers, promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting small businesses.
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Resources for Consumers:
- Farmers Market: Guide to Successful Shopping
- What’s In Season in the Cedar Valley
- What’s In Season in the Cedar Valley (versión en español)
- Food Assistance Programs and Farmers Markets
Resources for Vendors
- Farmers Market Resources for Vendors
- A Vendor’s Guide to Nutrition Assistance
- Get involved in our CVRFFN Coalition
- Farmers Market Vendor Workshop
- Read more about this workshop in the Education & Events tab below
Education & Events
Our team works to develop a local and regional food system that positively impacts consumers, farmers, and communities by providing local producer workshops and hosting community events.
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- We meet approximately four times/year. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are welcome to attend.
Producer/Buyer Networking Event
- This annual event gives buyers and producers the opportunity to meet in person to make connections and learn about products available. Every buyer talks to every producer during the event.
Farmers Market Workshop
- This is an opportunity for experienced vendors and new vendors to network with each other and gain knowledge about farmers markets in the Cedar Valley region.
Farm to Fork Dinner
- This event brings together members of our community to share a table, a story, and a local food meal, while supporting our local food system.
Farm Crawl
- This is a family-friendly event for all ages and gives you an opportunity to meet farmers and local producers on their farms.
UNI Local Food Festival
- Connects UNI students and faculty with the local food community, promotes sustainability, and fosters engagement with student organizations and campus partners.
Local Food Leader training
- This is an individual, skill-building certification for those looking to be more engaged in their local food system. This certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, equity, facilitation and leadership, evaluation, and professional development.
Additional Resources
Our team works hand-in-hand with our valued partners to develop a diverse array of tools, education, experiences, and programs with the overarching goal of making food production and local food consumption accessible to everyone.
- Read More
- Black Hawk County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Black Hawk County Community Food Assessment
- Cedar Valley Local Food Guide
- Cedar Valley online Local Food Guide
- Diamond Event Center in Jorgensen Plaza
- Healthy Harvest of North Iowa (recipes)
- Iowa Food System Coalition
- Northeast Iowa Food Bank
- Rooted Carrot Co-op Market
- Value Chain Coordinator Report 2023
- Value Chain Coordinator Report 2024
- Value Chain Coordinator Partner Survey
- We Arose