HEALTHY FOOD IN CEDAR RAPIDS
Eliminating barriers to nutritious food
Fresh, quality food should be accessible to all, regardless of where you live or how much you make. Here’s how Matthew 25 is making it a reality in the community.
$78,000+ Value of food given away in 2022
3,000+ People engaged in our food programs each month
22 Weeks per year our market sells sustainably grown, fresh produce
OUR INITIATIVES
Planting Roots For Healthier Lives
We want everyone in Cedar Rapids to have access to fresh food, and the opportunity to grow it themselves.
Matthew 25 operates a 2-acre urban farm, a weekly urban produce market, a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) subscription program and community gardens, all designed to bring fresh, quality produce to areas of the city that need it most.
Cultivate Hope Urban Farm
Iowa's first urban farm, growing fresh produce for the Corner Store, Groundswell Cafe, and the community, plus educational opportunities for schools and groups.
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Cultivate Hope Markets
A weekly produce market, featuring organic, sustainably-grown foods from our Urban Farm.
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Community Supported Agriculture
Sign up and take home fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for 22 weeks from May to October.
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Community Gardens
Start growing your own food with access to resources like compost and gardening tools.
Learn MoreOur Stores
Our Mission-Based Grocery and Cafe
We offer free or reduced-price food options for those in need. Groundswell Cafe is a pay-it forward eatery where guests can round up their bill or donate to help pay for a meal for someone who is struggling. Our Cultivate Hope Corner Store helps people stretch their food budget by offering a section of produce that is completely free.
Support us in making healthy food accessible
Latest News
Take a Look at What’s Happening
Check out what we’ve been up to lately and what’s coming soon. Learn about upcoming events and other ways to get involved.
Food
Transforming a Food Desert Into a Food Oasis
Nearly fifteen years ago, Matthew 25 began working in the Northwest Neighborhood of Cedar Rapids.
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Food
Cooking for a Cause teaches skills, helps the community
A class to learn and try a new recipe while also making extra food for the nonprofit Cultivate Hope Corner Store.
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Food
Register now for a 2023 CSA Share
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Share is a weekly produce subscription, but it is so much more than that.
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Stories of Impact
Healthy Food During Cancer Treatments
While being treated for cancer, one of our Cultivate Hope Corner Store shoppers has been stocking up on our Good Meals To Go with every visit. She needs healthy food to strengthen her body during this process and was thrilled to discover that she can get a well-rounded meal at an affordable price, without the stress of shopping, planning, and cooking.
Stories of Impact
Community Built at Groundswell Cafe
One of Groundswell Cafe’s regular customers made sure to bring her daughter, who she had recently reunited with, to the Cafe and introduce her to “her friends” on staff.
