The Rooted Carrot Cooperative Market was founded with a mission to enhance the health and well-being of the Cedar Valley by providing access to fresh, sustainable food and fostering a resilient, vibrant community. We are very encouraged that the city of Cedar Falls’ Resilience Plan closely mirrors our ideals, prioritizing walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, support for local businesses, and sustainable practices that create a stronger, healthier city for all.

Our values—Local Commitment, Inclusivity, Education, and Sustainability—not only drive our efforts, but also directly support Cedar Falls’ goals for resilience. Here’s how each of our values intersects with the city’s plan, illustrating our shared vision for a thriving community.

Local Commitment

Economic Resilience (C4.1, E6.2)

The Rooted Carrot Co-Op’s commitment to local producers and businesses supports Cedar Falls’ goal of a resilient local economy. By sourcing from local farmers and food artisans, the co-op not only strengthens the local food network but also generates a greater economic multiplier. Research shows that every $1,000 spent at the co-op generates $1,604 in economic activity, a significant boost for Cedar Falls’ economy. A site near the city’s downtown would enhance walkability and accessibility, fitting the city’s vision of mixed-use neighborhoods and sustainable community infrastructure.Continue reading→

If you have someone on your list who is interested in healthy food, building community, and/or supporting local farmers & producers, the perfect gift is only a few clicks away! Surprise them with the gift of a Rooted Carrot Co-op Membership. It will positively impact the community AND allow them to access discounts at RCCM Community Partner businesses throughout the Cedar Valley.

Click here to get started today! 

We look forward to continuing to work with Lisa Nelson and welcome Mindy Doyle to the Board! Thank you for volunteering your time to make a co-op a reality in our community. 

Thank you to Kate Dunning and Theresa Westbrock for their time on the board. Kate served two terms and has chaired the Site Committee during this time. She will remain active as chair of the Site Committee and she is part of our new sub-committee for our campaign, Don’t Wait, Cooperate! Theresa was appointed by the Board for the last two years to fill in the gap of board members who left their terms early. She has been our Board Secretary, worked on Operations Committee tasks, and served on the grants committee. She will continue with the grants committee. 

President of Board of Directors,

Jodie Huegerich 

As member-owners of the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market, we’ve all been working together for over a decade to bring our shared vision of a community-driven, local food co-op to life. Now, with over 1,200 committed member-owners and more than 75 local business partners, we’re closer than ever to making this dream a reality. That’s why we’re launching the “Don’t Wait, Cooperate” campaign—a powerful effort designed to engage city council members and ensure their support in bringing the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to downtown Cedar Falls.

While this campaign focuses on building strong relationships with city officials, we need you, our member-owners, to be empowered advocates for the co-op. You have the unique ability to spread our message through conversations with friends, family, and even council members themselves. After all, as member-owners, your voice is central to our success!

Here’s what you need to know to feel confident in sharing our story:

Strengthening the Cedar Valley Economy

A food co-op will significantly strengthen our local economy by supporting local farmers, producers, and businesses. Unlike traditional grocery stores, a co-op ensures that dollars spent stay in our community, creating a multiplier effect that directly benefits the Cedar Valley.

• By the Numbers:
  • 1,200+ member-owners: Our co-op is already a strong community of stakeholders.
  • $1,000 spent at a co-op generates $1,604 in local economic activity.¹ This means co-ops have a 1.6x multiplier effect, generating far more impact than a conventional grocery store.
  • 2.5 times more business with local farms.² Co-ops engage with local producers more than twice as often as traditional grocers, meaning more support for local agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Filling the Gap in Nutrient-Dense Food Access

Surveys have shown a clear need for better grocery options in downtown Cedar Falls. The Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market is positioned to fill this gap by offering a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense, and locally sourced products. Our market will serve as a hub for high-quality, healthy food that benefits both the consumer and the community.

Innovative Partnerships for a Better Future

We’re not just building a grocery store—we’re building a community. Our co-op is eager to engage in innovative partnerships that push Cedar Valley to the forefront of local food systems and economic development. Together, we can create a vibrant space that offers fresh, nutritious options while uplifting our local economy.

How You Can Help: Don’t Wait, Cooperate

We’re counting on you to help us spread the word. Whether it’s a conversation with friends, a casual chat with family, or even a moment with a city council member, every interaction helps build momentum. Use these talking points to guide your conversations and encourage others to see the value of bringing the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to life.

• A co-op will strengthen our local economy by supporting local farmers and producers.
• Every $1,000 spent at a food co-op generates $1,604 in local economic activity.¹
• The Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market will fill the gap for fresh, locally sourced food in downtown Cedar Falls.
• Now is the time to make this vision a reality—our community needs it!

Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for the Cedar Valley. Don’t wait—cooperate with us to bring the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to life.

For more information and to get involved, visit RootedCarrot.coop.

Citations:
¹ Cooperative Grocer Network
² 20 Food Cooperatives Building Resilient Communities – Food Tank

Exciting news – the Board Application deadline has been extended to October 9!

Do you have a vision and a passion for building and advancing a cooperatively-owned local business?

Do you want to be part of the team that helps to bring a unique grocery store stocked with locally-produced products to Cedar Falls?

Do you want to help make decisions regarding the store site, store design, and hiring of the general manager?

If you answered yes to these questions, we think you’d be an excellent Board Member, and would love to have you join us!

We have an amazing, fun group of dedicated board members who enjoy working together and bring a variety of expertise to the board. Currently, we meet once a month on the third Wednesday, either online or in-person at the Community Main Street Office. 

The Co-op Board consists of nine Members elected by the general Membership. Board terms are three years and the responsibilities for those serving on the Rooted Carrot’s Board of Directors are outlined in the Candidate Application Packet. Click here to learn more and Apply!

Hurry! Board applications are due on October 9 at midnight.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the board, please reach out to us via info@rootedcarrot.coop and we will be happy to chat with you!

Board of Directors

Jodie Huegerich, Lisa Nelson, Theresa Westbrock, Nick Phillis, Allie Hartz, Kate Dunning, Dave Schachterle, Mallory DeVries 

The 2024 Fall Food Festival was a popular event for the whole community! About 150 people of all ages came together to sample local foods, learn from local producers, and celebrate Iowa Local Food Day! So many people expressed their appreciation for the return of this event, and judging from the smiles and positive comments, it will be back again in the future! 

A huge thank you to the Membership & Communications Committee who spearheaded the event, board members and volunteers who helped make it happen, and UNI Local Food which helped connect us with vendors. It definitely took a team, and this one was just great!

Thanks also to the vendors who spent their time with us, sharing their passion for their products: Country View Dairy, Englebrecht Farm, The Real Artistic Farmer, JR Greens LLC, Hockey’s Smokehouse, thinkwell. Coffee, We Arose, Petit Green Giants, UNI Local Food, Varda Farm, Iowa Miso, Marks Angus Farm, Ooh La La Crêpes, and BBQ Brazil. 

We enjoyed music from Addison Payne and Matthew Bancroft-Smithe, and door prize donations from Blueridge Orchard, Ooh La La Crêpes, MKKrafts, Woolly Bear Works, lahiccup, and several members added even more to the event. And, of course, Rooty the Rooted Carrot joined the fun as well. 

On Wednesday, September 25th, we hosted our annual member-owner meeting, and we were pleased to see about 25 members in attendance.

Agenda Highlights:

• Board Elections & Meet the Candidates: We discussed upcoming elections and recognized Kate Dunning, Theresa Westbrock, and Ben Scholl for their dedicated service. We have four vacant spots, with three open for member-owner voting, including Lisa Nelson, who is running for re-election. One spot will be appointed by the Board.
• Financial Update: Treasurer Allie Hartz provided an update on the co-op’s financials, keeping members informed of our fiscal progress.
• Site Update: Kate Dunning shared the extensive work the Site Committee has undertaken, including evaluating six potential sites from downtown Cedar Falls to University Ave. We are examining a mix of land, building ownership, and tenancy options and have been actively engaged with the city’s parking consultants and resilience planning to prioritize local economy development. Additionally, the committee is exploring city-owned properties and attending council meetings to keep the co-op’s needs at the forefront of decision-making.
• Community Relations Committee: The Community Relations team has been working closely with the Site Committee to drive our “Don’t Wait, Cooperate” campaign, which aims to foster strong relationships with city council members to push the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market project forward.

If you could not attend and would like to review the presentation slides, please email us at info@rootedcarrot.coop.

If you’ve been wanting to become a Member-Owner of the Rooted Carrot Co-op Market and the cost is a financial burden for you at this time, please know we offer scholarships for you. Applications for 2024 are being accepted through the end of October! Apply here: https://rootedcarrot.coop/scholarship-member-share-application/

As the weather cools and the leaves turn, there’s no better time to embrace the rich flavors of fall. Eating locally grown, seasonal produce not only supports our hard working farmers, but also ensures you’re getting the freshest ingredients packed with nutrients.

From sweet potatoes and squash to apples and kale, fall produce brings a world of cozy, comforting meals to your table. Whether you’re roasting root vegetables, whipping up a hearty soup, or baking an apple crisp, you can create delicious meals that highlight the best of the season.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our Seasonal Fall Recipe Database for some incredible recipes that feature the best of what fall has to offer. You’ll find ideas for every meal, all designed to help you enjoy local, nutrient-packed foods while supporting our community’s farmers.

Happy cooking and happy fall!

Bring all of your friends to celebrate Iowa Local Food Day at the 2024 Fall Food Fest!

We are excited to be bringing back the Rooted Carrot Co-op Fall Food Fest this year! Past Fall Food Fests have attracted 250-300 people to learn about local foods & products, and meet the people who are working hard to grow and produce them. 

The 2024 Fall Food Fest will be held on Iowa Local Food Day, Wednesday, September 25 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center, adjacent to the Cedar Falls Public Library. 

It will be a free, family-friendly event open to the community. 

There will be:

• Children’s activities!
• Live music! Addison Payne and Mathew Bancroft Smithe will play from their repertoire of American string band music
• Door prizes!
• Photo booth!

Food Trucks:

• Ooh la la Crêpes will have sweet crepes with Fall fillings & GF options starting at 6:00.
• BBQ Brazil will have delicious Brazilian American menu items

Vendors will have samples and items available for purchase, including:

• Country View Dairy with chocolate milk and frozen yogurt 
• Iowa Miso with miso on veggies
• Hockey’s Smokehouse with seasoning blends
• Thinkwell Coffee 
• UNI Local Food Program with an informational table
• JR Greens
• Petit Green Giants
• Varda Farms & Apiary
• Mark’s Angus Beef

And more surprises are being planned! Stay tuned to the Fall Food Festival Event Page on Facebook for updated information. 

We have room for a few more vendors. Do you own a small business with local products that you would like to promote and educate the community about? Please contact us at info@rootedcarrot.coop. We are accepting vendors until we have reached capacity. The sooner you register to become a vendor, the more we can promote your business and your participation in the event!