The Rooted Carrot Co-op continues to find ways to build up the local food economy in the Cedar Valley. We are so fortunate to have many strong farmer’s markets opening very soon! What a great opportunity to meet the people growing and making things in our region and to support their efforts. But, not everyone who values local products attends farmer’s markets, and there may be local items that just aren’t available at the farmer’s market.
To expand on our local markets and give people more opportunity to access local goods, the membership team is working with WeArose to offer a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) delivery in Cedar Falls. People who invest in a CSA support farmers by purchasing produce in advance and receiving in-season fresh produce each week. This provides important guaranteed capital and a consistent market for the farmer while building connections with customers. Read more in this edition of the Garlic Press.
The Rooted Carrot Co-op has also partnered with the Iowa Food Hub to manage a weekly delivery in Cedar Falls. This provides another access point for us all to access local, fresh products year round. Beyond building connections between producers and consumers, another goal of this partnership is that, as the food hub becomes more present in the Cedar Valley, more producers in our community may begin to sell their items through the Iowa Food Hub. As more markets open to offer local produce, we strengthen the local food economy and build a strong foundation for a locally-owned cooperative grocery store. Read on to learn more about the RCCM/Iowa Food Hub partnership.
This is just a taste of what the Rooted Carrot Co-op board and committees are doing to build and support networks centered around local food access within our community. If you want to be an active part of this movement, email info@rootedcarrot.coop today!