Global Graze returns for Feed Iowa First fundraiser

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Feed Iowa First initiative is returning for its second annual event.

Global Graze, launched last year as a new signature fundraiser, returns with six restaurants paired with farmers from the nonprofit’s incubation program. The event invites diners to “experience local food with global flavor” at the Olympic South Side Theater, 1202 Third St. SE #200, on Sept. 17.

The event raises critical funds for Feed Iowa First while creating market opportunities for participants in the organization’s Equitable Land Access program. Tickets, available at EventBrite for $55, include food from each restaurant.

"Global Graze celebrates the diversity of local food while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging farmers," said Alora Kraus, interim executive director of Feed Iowa First. "The farmers we support grow crops that fill important gaps in the marketplace — from okra and collard greens to white eggplant and sweet potato vines.”

This year’s food will feature the culinary talents of Big Grove Brewery, Black Sheep Social Club, Hip-stir, Saatvik Swaad, Goldfinch Tap + Eatery, and Rhubarb Botanicals in partnership with Lamb’s Quarter Livestock and Snacky Mini Mart. Restaurants will prepare food locally sourced from Black Earth Gardens, Theo’s Produce, AP Farms, We the Farm Family, Afro-Iowa Unity Farm, and Nupolu’s Emerging Farms to create flavors from around the world that celebrate local agriculture diversity.

“We want to provide a venue for establishing these relationships and the work farmers put into creating food designed for the community,” said Matt McGrane, development director at Feed Iowa First. “It’s fresh, it’s grown chemical-free and grown using sustainable practices. This is the kind of food we’re hoping people will use their money toward, and will appreciate how much work goes into it and how delicious it is.”

As Feed Iowa First celebrates 15 years, the event is a poignant reminder of the nonprofit’s vision for supporting immediate hunger relief and long-term food security. While 86% of Iowa land is involved in agriculture, Iowa imports over 90% of its food, Kraus said.

“We have the land here to produce food for people to eat. That was the initial vision for Feed Iowa First — supporting a system where a community can support itself in solving some of our hunger issues,” she said.