For Growers and Consumers, For a More Sustainable and Resilient Food System
Field to Family is an Iowa City, Iowa-based nonprofit that increases access to and education around healthy and local food. We operate a comprehensive regional food hub and online market, powered by growers and consumers who share a purpose to create a diverse, abundant, sustainable food system. Our mission is to ensure everyone across Johnson County and Eastern Iowa can eat fresh food with the seasons.
Since launching in 2019, we have worked with more than 100 local vendors and three partner food hubs: Organic Greens in Kalona, Iowa; Iowa Food Hub in Decorah, Iowa; and Farm Table in Harlan, Iowa.
What is a Food Hub?
In recent years, the demand for sustainable, locally-sourced foods has increased significantly. Farmers are working hard to meet that demand, but they struggle to connect with individuals and institutions to get their foods into kitchens and on menus. The food hub is the central point that connects the threads between producers and consumers.
As a nonprofit food hub, Field to Family has built the infrastructure for schools, food pantries, and other institutions to easily order quality, wholesale local food. Our marketing and educational programs also increase awareness of local foods.
Partnering with Field to Family allows producers to focus more on growing crops and farming so more of their foods can make the journey from the fields to plates. We leverage our connections with community organizations and partners to help producers gain access to larger, more sustainable markets.
Connecting Those Who Grow Fresh, Healthy Food with Those Who Consume It
Our connections are plentiful. We partner with nutrition directors at various school districts in the region, the University of Iowa, chefs, food access agencies, local producers, local governments, community members and leaders—all committed to sustainable, local food systems and supporting local agriculture.
“I grew up on a farm and I know where my food comes from. We’re committed to helping all of our students have that knowledge. It’s such a win-win when we can source from farmers and shine a light on their efforts.”
— Alison Demory
Nutrition Services Director, Iowa City Community School District
A Focus on Underrepresented Farmers and Underserved Community Members
All farmers and growers should receive equitable and fair compensation for their food and farm products. As Field to Family works to increase access to locally-sourced foods, we strive to increase the amount of food we procure from BIPOC growers and others the USDA identifies as underserved. This includes minorities, women, immigrants, veterans, beginning farmers, and limited resource producers.
Field to Family also partners with community food distributors, including food banks, food pantries, and other similar entities, to reach individuals excluded from our food system to improve food security.
Field to Family Staff
Michelle Kenyon
Executive Director
Jessica Burtt Fogarty
Operations Manager
Olivia Bohlmann
Operations Coordinator II
Erin Durian
Operations Coordinator I
Emily Roberts
Program Manager
Board of Directors
Katy Meyer, Co-Chair
Chef and Owner, Trumpet Blossom
Brian Morelli, Co-Chair
Head of Marketing and Communications, Iowa Technology Institute, University of Iowa
Hannah Shultz, Secretary
Manager, Learning Services, Feeding America
John Quinto, CPA, Treasurer
Trust Officer, MidWestOne
Blaise Boles
Faculty Member, Biology and Nutrition, Kirkwood Community College
Kim Friese
Senior Project Manager, Siemens
Camille Veri
Senior Proposal Writer, Mathematica Policy Research
Advisory Council
James Adrian
Amanda Arn
Tom Banta
John Boller
Peg Bouska
David Burt
Mike Carberry
Theresa Carbrey
Alison Demory
Ilsa Dewald
V Fixmer-Oraiz
Kim Friese
Anna Geyer
Michael Graham
Jake Gratzen
Jason Grimm
Kelly Haught
TD Holub
Teresa Wiemerslage
Pat Heidan
Jill Irvin
Brandi Janssen
Emma & Marcus Johnson
Jen Kardos
Scott Keopke
Debbie Klein
Kayla Koether
Alisa Meggit
Katherine Mellen
Fred Meyer
Kate Moreland
James Nisly
Patrick O’Malley
Marc Quee
Paul Rausch
Derek Roller
Sara Rynes-Weller
Kyle Sieck
Jesse Singerman
Ofer Sivan
Cindy Smith
Rod Sullivan
Veronica Tessler
Bodi Vasi
Kristi Walker
Anthony Walsh
Heather Widmayer
Leah Wilson
Sara Ziehr
Wendy Zimmerman
Community Supporters
