On Friday, September 11, the Johnson County Hunger Task Force’s Healthy Foods Committee partnered with the Coralville Ecumenical Food Pantry to host a free neighborhood meal at S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville.

To see photos from the Free Neighborhood Meal, click here.

The event consisted of a free meal, live music, and fun activities revolving around healthy foods. The meal was prepared by a local chef and volunteers from the Coralville community and featured a variety of fresh produce, primarily sourced from local farmers and gardeners. The event was a pilot program created by the Healthy Foods Committee—the first of hopefully many neighborhood meals to come in Johnson County.  

Vision:
To reduce food insecurity and promote healthy food choices in Johnson County (IA).

Mission:
To empower local communities to provide free nutritious meals and healthy food education with and for individuals and families with limited resources.

Goals:

• To feed people’s’ curiosity about local fresh produce with simple & delicious recipes.
• Nourish people with a healthy meal of primarily locally sourced ingredients.
• To utilize a local community’s existing assets and help them to discover new ones.
• To empower people to cook their own healthy food.
• To dismantle fears about vegetables.
• To spark conversations about what it means to eat locally and how to overcome barriers.
• To promote community solidarity.