Feed Iowa First

Feed Iowa First's mission is to combat food insecurity by growing food and farmers. We believe access to fresh produce transforms lives. Food is a basic human right and food security is crucial in building vibrant communities where citizens can reach their full human potential. Founded in 2011 by Sonia Kendrick, Feed Iowa First began as a summer project to grow and provide fresh vegetables to food banks. Today, Feed Iowa First has evolved, operating an 11-acre, chemical-free vegetable farm, growing food for distribution to food insecure neighbors in addition to partnering with schools, faith organizations, community agencies and corporations of all sizes, Feed Iowa First finds open spaces to grow fresh produce that’s harvested to supply those in need with nutritious food. Feed Iowa First donates 30,000- 48,000 lbs of locally grown produce annually to pantries and communities in need across Linn County. Feed Iowa First also helps support beginning farmers through land access, training, resources and investments, designed to strengthen the next generation of farmers and food production, through the Equitable Land Access Program.