30 Mini-Grants Awarded for the Iowa Farm

to Summer “Root for Radishes!” Campaign

Fun program teaches children about the benefits of fresh produce while building markets for Iowa farmers

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded $300 mini-grants to 30 participating sponsors for the purpose of purchasing local food as part of the Iowa Farm to Summer campaign, “Root for Radishes!”.

“Root for Radishes!” is a statewide effort to promote summer meal sites by celebrating local radishes as the raddest vegetable of the summer. With a focus on this familiar, readily available veggie, the goal is to increase participation of children at Iowa summer meal sites while also building market demand for local producers.

“The Iowa Farm to Summer campaign is all about finding fun ways to teach students about how their food is grown while also building connections with local farmers,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Whether you ‘Root for Radishes’ or enjoy other fresh, locally grown options, consumers can benefit from enjoying nutritious Iowa produce all summer long.”

The Department received 51 applications from summer meal site sponsors, community partners and early childhood education providers and 30 were selected. Participants are required to source local produce from area producers. In addition, participants are encouraged to share promotional materials and learning opportunities with children. Examples of promotional ideas include growing radishes in a school garden and harvesting them with students, inviting a farmer to visit and sample farm-grown radishes, or leading an outdoor demonstration that includes preparing a simple radish snack.

The list of 30 participating locations can be found here.

This statewide program is part of a 5-year campaign, with a different vegetable becoming the focus each summer.

• 2023: Root for Radishes
• 2024: Snap for Snap Peas
• 2025: Crunch into Cucumbers
• 2026: Kick it with Carrots
• 2027: Lettuce Eat Lettuce

The program is funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship through the Specialty Crop Block Grant offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The official hashtag of the campaign is #IowaFarmtoSummer and those interested in the program can learn more on the Iowa Farm to School and Early Coalition website.

PORT, Promoting Outdoor Recreation Trails, of Fort Madison will host an event on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 to celebrate the completion of the Rodeo Connector Trail, the culmination of ten-years of recreational trail creation in Fort Madison.  The event will take place at the trailhead located by the entrance to the Tri-State Rodeo grounds from 5-7 p.m. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m. followed by refreshments and entertainment provided by students from the YMCA Test Kitchen STEM Lounge Band. Wilson Brothers will also be onsite selling their BBQ and Hinterland Dairy treats.  The public is invited to attend.

PORT of Fort Madison began in Fall of 2013, when a group of community volunteers came together to brainstorm how to make recreational trails a reality in Fort Madison.  The ultimate goal was to improve the physical and economic health of the city with a system of recreational trails to be used by walkers, runners, and bicyclists.  PORT of Fort Madison became a subcommittee under the City of Fort Madison Parks and Recreation Board.  With seed money from RAGBRAI and Lake Cooper Trails Association, the PORT committee began laying out a multi-year plan to achieve their goal of connecting the City of Fort Madison with a safe trail system.

Phase one, completed in Summer of 2016, connected Ivanhoe Park to Bluff Road.  Phase two, followed, intersecting Phase one and connecting to 48^th Street.  These two arms of the trail system created over a two-mile loop allowing students at the Fort Madison middle school easy access to and from school while also being used for physical education classes.  Area businesses, Wellmark Foundation Grants, SIRRC of Fort Madison, Lee County Charitable Fund and other State and Federal Grants provided monetary support for these projects.  The annual PORT hosted Spooktacular Boo-athlon also brought together local businesses and individuals to lend support to building trails while enjoying a fun family event.

In 2021, Phase three of the trail system was completed, connecting 48^th Street to the hospital.  This was also the year PORT received a sizeable monetary donation from the FMCH-GRH Community Health Foundation (now Great River Health Foundation) to complete the Rodeo Connector trail – fulfilling the goal of connecting the city end-to-end.  The Rodeo Connector Trail runs from Bluff Road behind Fort Madison High School, up Avenue B to 15^th Street – the trail runs along 15^th Street all the way to the Tri-State Rodeo grounds.  In addition to the Rodeo Connector Trail, the foundation also provided funding for the trail in Riverview Park as part of the marina project.

Beautification and lighting along all phases of the PORT of Fort Madison trails has also been part of the plan of work.  The Rodeo Connector trail beautification was completed by Reed’s Landscaping.

“We are so grateful for all of the support we have received from the city, organizations, businesses and individuals over the years helping us realize the dream of a comprehensive trail system in Fort Madison.  When we began this journey ten years ago, we believed it would have a positive impact on the lives of those who lived and worked in Fort Madison, but it is so rewarding to actually see people young and old outdoors enjoying the trail. We hope all those who enjoy the trail will join us for our celebration event,” commented Angie Budnik, current PORT Chairperson.

PORT of Fort Madison’s Phase four trail is currently underway – it will connect the end of Phase three at 48^th Street to River Valley Road past the Baxter Sports Complex.  A strategic planning session held in January laid out the plan for the next five years.

For more information about the upcoming event or to become involved with PORT, visit their Facebook page – PORT of Fort Madison.

“Starting Tuesday June 13^th Jones Contracting will be closing all of Henry St. from Just West of Marion St. to N. Broadway. They will be setting up string lines to start trimming the subbase. Once all the trimming is completed. They will start paving from N. Broadway St. to the West later this week or the first of next week weather permitting. Hopefully, all goes well and Jones Contracting will pour all of W. Henry St. in one day. Once the Concrete reaches maturity in 2 to 3 days crews will start pouring the driveways back and sidewalks to follow. W. Henry St. will not be open to traffic once it closes tomorrow until the paving is completed and has reached maturity. Garbage will be picked up off the side streets or in the alley behind your houses. If you have any questions, please call City Hall 385-1470 or Public Works at 385-1480.”

Compassus Hospice is currently looking for volunteers to spend time with patients. Most volunteers visit clients in their homes or at the long-term care facilities. Volunteering with Compassus is a rewarding way to enhance the lives of hospice patients and their families. You’ll find companionship with fellow volunteers and joy in serving others. Hospice volunteers are part of a very special team of people who serve patients receiving end-of-life care and their families, working together to preserve dignity and quality of life. Hospice volunteers can provide quality care to those in need of hospice services, as well as support for their families. Their presence can be a great source of comfort and help to both the patient and family members during this difficult time. You must be 18 years or older to apply. www.compassus.com/volunteers