COLLECTION RECIPIENT on SEPTEMBER 6 — CULTIVATE: LOCAL FOOD CONNECTIONS
All First Sunday donations in September will support Cultivate: Local Food Connections’ Farm to Table for ALL program. Through this program, Cultivate purchases local foods directly from producers to fill community fridges and food pantries. In addition to direct purchases, they upcycle local farmers’ abundant or “ugly” produce by making soups and other convenient meals, maximizing the potential of all that is being grown in the area and minimizing food waste. The fund also supports Iowa Food Cooperative members utilizing SNAP benefits by waiving member fees.
Supporting small scale, regenerative farmers is an essential piece of eliminating food insecurity, as it both feeds the community and envisions and invests in a better system to replace broken and unsustainable food systems. Small scale producers build healthier soils, capture carbon, improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and create more resilient local food systems — leading to nutrient-dense food, stronger communities, and economic stability. Per the Iowa Food System Coalition, “every $1 spent on Iowa-grown foods generates $1.94 in economic activity.” Local food moving through the community is an investment in physical and social health, the local economy, and the planet.
Hilary Burbank, Program Director, will participate in our Zoom prayer service and be available online afterwards for a conversation about Cultivate’s organization, events, and volunteer opportunities in the greater Des Moines area.
For more information, visit https://cultivatefoodconnections.org/
Write checks either to “Cultivate: Local Food Connections” with “DMIEC” in the memo line or to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to: DMIEC, P.O. Box 12022, Des Moines, IA 50312.
To be included in the amount DMIEC sends to the organization First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by September 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to Cultivate: Local Food Connections with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Cultivate: Local Food Connections, 29762 310th St, Waukee, IA 50263 and, if comfortable, let DMIEC’s Social Justice Committee Chair Kathy Eastman know the amount to assist in recording our community’s giving.
