The derecho and COVID-19 caused more hunger in Linn County than ever in recent history. In response, a coalition of local groups is organizing a community corn harvest for residents to pick as much free sweet corn as they?d like.
Dows Farm, 622 Dows Rd SE
July 22 ? Aug. 1
Times Vary ? See Sign Up Sheet at silt.org
Guides will be available to walk guests into the corn and teach them how to pick it.
Parking is limited. Residents should sign up for a slot at https://silt.org/cornharvest/
Volunteers needed ? Volunteers can sign up at the same page.
Coalition Partners
The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust will be describing plans for the organic food farm that is central to the Dows Farm agri-community. Contact: Suzan Erem (suzan@silt.org)
North Linn FFA and Feed Iowa First will pre-pick Thursday and Friday nights and Feed Iowa First is expected to turn out volunteers one Monday night during that time. FFA will not pick on the 30th due to prior commitments. Contacts: Tom Murray (tmurray@northlinncsd.org) and Carter Oswood (Carter@feediowa1st.com), respectively.
Olivet Mission (Contact: Julie Palmer- julie@olivetmission.org), Feed Iowa First, and FFA will distribute sweet corn throughout Cedar Rapids ASAP including at the ROC Center.
Linn County Ag in the Classroom will provide educational materials, demonstrate antique farm equipment and hand out recipes. Contact: Morgan Hibbs (MHibbs@ifbf.org)
Linn County Planning and Development will be available to answer questions about the Dows Farm housing development. Contact: Charlie Nichols (Charlie.Nichols@linncounty.org)
New Pioneer Co-op is providing a large thermos for cool drinks, cups and energy bars. Contact: Meghan Kincade (mkincade@newpi.coop)
Any updates will be posted on SILT and coalition member Facebook pages.
