Free Packets of Garden Seeds in Little Libraries Around Grinnell
August 19, 2025 More seeds have been delivered to the Little Libraries! Check them out at these Giving Garden locations: Merrill Park Bailey Park Marvin Garden
Grinnell Food Coalition Launches New “Seed Grant” to Support Local Food Access Efforts
August 15, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Seed Grant program—a pilot funding opportunity designed to strengthen food access in Grinnell and throughout Poweshiek County. The Seed Grant offers flexible funding to support food programs addressing urgent challenges or filling short-term gaps in service. Applications are [...]
Grinnell Food Coalition Awards Harvest Grants to Local Food Access Programs
July 9, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of its most recent Harvest Grant cycle: Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA), Malcom Food Pantry, and Grinnell Farm to Table. Each organization received $3,250 to support their ongoing efforts to improve [...]
Giving Gardens Update
June 13, 2025 The 3rd graders at Davis Elementary rolled up their sleeves and planted the Davis Giving Garden before the last day of school! There’s no better way to start the morning than June berry picking! You can find fresh picked berries and other seasonal vegetables at the free farm stands at [...]
June Grinnell Food Coalition Partners Meeting
June 10, 2025 Thanks to everyone who joined our June GFC Community Partners meeting We heard from Ella Mucciolo, who shared deliverables from her practicum with Grinnell Farm to Table—including a network map, resource map, quiz to match people with resources, and a comprehensive resource spreadsheet. Lyn Guinto presented findings from surveys and interviews conducted [...]
Students SPARK Change Through Community Innovation Challenge
June 3, 2025 Grinnell College students partnered with local organizations to pitch innovative, community-focused solutions as part of the annual SPARK Challenge. Two teams were awarded $4,000 each to implement projects supporting early childhood literacy and food access through community gardens. During the last week of April, four student teams pitched innovative, community-centered projects [...]
Help Improve Food Access in the Community
May 29, 2025 Join Us for the June Grinnell Food Coalition Community Partner Meeting! Connect with others dedicated to strengthening our local food system. Share ideas, exchange information, and build meaningful relationships with community members and organizations working to improve food access and sustainability. June 4th, 2025 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Claude W. & [...]
New Funding Opportunity
April 2, 2026 The Grinnell Food Coalition is launching the Harvest Grant — a new grant to support local food initiatives in Grinnell & Poweshiek County! Eligible orgs can apply for up to $5,000 to strengthen food access & sustainability in our community. Open to nonprofits, schools, government agencies, service & faith-based groups with a [...]
Now Recruiting: Summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators!
March 4, 2025 We are recruiting for two summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators! Make an impact by enhancing community gardens, engaging volunteers, and expanding access to fresh, healthy food! Apply now: https://go.iowa.gov/2dp4 or scan the QR code. Applicants should select the Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation as their preferred host site. Questions? Message [...]
Community partners convene to address food insecurity
March 3, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, was established in 2020 to support neighbors facing food insecurity during the pandemic. Since then, GFC has evolved into a collaborative effort focused on developing community-driven food solutions in the Grinnell area. The coalition consists of [...]