Giving Gardens

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 [...]

New Shelter coming soon to Marvin Garden!

March 3, 2025 The Marvin Giving Garden provides fresh, free produce for anyone in need. This year, we’re creating an inclusive gathering space with a new shelter—help us bring this project to life! More details coming soon!

2025-03-06T11:35:09-06:00March 3rd, 2025|Giving Gardens, Imagine Grinnell|

Grinnell Food Coalition’s Priorities for 2025

January 22, 2025 This year, GFC is focusing on: Engaging the Community – Listening to lived experiences to drive real change. Building Capacity – Strengthening organizations to ensure lasting food security. Equitable Resource Allocation – Providing support for food-related efforts. Raising Awareness – Amplifying stories and advocating for change.

Please join us at the Community Meal on November 21st!

November 14, 2024 Join us Nov. 21st - Staff from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation will be serving the Community Meal at the Grinnell Methodist Church! It is welcome to anyone to attend. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for Visiting!

October 16, 2024 Last week, students from Central Iowa Christian School visited the Ahrens Giving Garden! They explored the herb garden, sampled fresh apples straight from the trees, and enjoyed a delicious caprese salad made with garden-grown basil and tomatoes. Chad Nath, President and CEO of the Ahrens Park Foundation, taught a lesson on the [...]

2024-11-06T11:47:47-06:00October 16th, 2024|Ahrens Park Foundation, Giving Gardens|

Double Up Food Bucks in Grinnell

October 9, 2024 Double your SNAP dollars with Double Up Food Bucks! Shop at Grinnell Fareway and Grinnell Farmers Market to earn up to $10 extra daily for fresh fruits and veggies. #DoubleUpFoodBucks #IowaHealthyState

Ahrens Park is home to TWO Little Libraries!

August 7, 2024 Did You Know? Ahrens Park is home to TWO Little Libraries! If you haven’t discovered them yet, here’s where you can find them: Library 1: By the playgrounds and flag area. Library 2: In Dolly’s Garden, east of the community giving garden. Next time you’re at Ahrens Park, be sure to visit [...]

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