The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has partnered with the Rooted Carrot Co-op Market to establish a special project fund to help in the efforts to launch a community-owned grocery store. That means community members can help the Co-op get established by making a tax-deductible donation to the Rooted Carrot Co-op Market Fund. Continue reading→

At our board meeting on Wednesday, the board is scheduled to approve a motion to appoint a new president to take over the leadership duties as we enter Stage 3 of the Co-op’s development. I’ll give an update on why we’re making the change and who will be stepping up in this role, but first some other board of director news…Continue reading→

The Site Team is on fire right now working several hours per week collaborating with property owners, architects, city personnel, bankers, consultants – you name it, we’re planning and discussing it!  We’re on a tight timeline to make this project a-go and super pumped to do so!  Kate, Site Team Chair Continue reading→

You likely recognize Jodie Huegerich if you have been a frequent College Hill Farmers Market attendee, are a local food producer, and/or have attended the Local Film and Food Festival or the Local Food Dinner. She is the organizer behind these events through her work as the University of Northern Iowa Local Food Program Manager at the Center for Energy & Environmental Education. With such a broad and deep understanding of the local food system, it’s no wonder that Jodie has been a supporter of the Co-op as a member-owner since 2016, and was elected as a board member in November of 2019.Continue reading→

Without further ado – and with gratitude for your patience! – the Board of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op would like to announce that the name of the co-op has officially changed to the Rooted Carrot Cooperative Market.Continue reading→

Local lettuce is in season! Make this delicious tortilla soup and pair it with a salad. Interested in using local chicken? Looking for local lettuce? https://ceee.uni.edu/find-local-food

Chicken Tortilla Soup is soul food for a Texan. When you have a cold or feeling under the weather, just make some of this soup. You will feel better in no time. Jalapenos can be deceased or increased according to how hot you like it or leave the jalapenos out and used a small can of green chilies. Serve this with small bowls of chopped avocados, cheese, and chopped cilantro for garnish. Have a bowl of sliced lime wedges handy for those who like a little more lime juice. A great Cinco de Mayo dish to take to parties.Continue reading→

CEDAR FALLS — The 2020 Cedar Valley Character Counts Champions of Character awards have been announced. Eight nominees are being recognized this year including the Cedar Falls Food Co-op!

Cedar Valley Character Counts is an organization that honors individuals, organizations and businesses and educators who exemplify the Six Pillars of Character — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Ready to show off your Co-op Pride? If you’re a member-owner and would like a Proud Owner yard sign please take note!Continue reading→

Let’s make the number 20 count for something! June has historically been our biggest month in membership growth with 50+ new members in past years.

While this year is different – our Co-op knows we can still have a big growth in membership with your help. Most of our members joined the Co-op because someone personally encouraged them to take advantage of this opportunity! Your Co-op will only grow when everyone steps up and invites their friends to join.

Kate Gallagher Dunning has been a Co-op board member for 1 ½ years. She is the co-founder/co-owner of Talk To Me Technologies. She has lived in the Cedar Valley nearly 20 years! “That’s a long time for me. I moved to Waterloo from Cedar Falls a few years ago and love both towns. I’m so proud to be from these places. Building a food co-op here is exactly what we need and I’m energized by the details of helping see it through!”

What does Kate do when she is not attending a Co-op Board meeting, Site Selection meeting, or working? She is a board Member of the WCFSO, grant reviewer/member of the Iowa Women’s Foundation, and committee member of the Environmental Health Committee for Cedar Falls School District. She loves visualizing and gets lost in recreating/making spaces. She really loves cooking for her family, walking her dog, listening to books, reading, and writing. “I generally enjoy my days.” She recently learned how to play chess and is currently enjoying a winning streak against her teens!

Speaking of teens–she has four children ranging from ages 16 to 21 that also keep her busy. Jack studies music ed at UNI, Joey is transferring to Kent State University in Ohio studying visual communication. Frank and Lucy are runners, bakers, all around good conversation makers. Her partner, Ron lives in Dubuque, has two grown girls: Faradis is in her final year of Physician Assistant school at CUNY and Salma just finished at MASS ART in Boston. Ron works as a land stewardship director just across the river in WI. They also have Rosie (our pointer) and 6 unnamed spotted quail.