Our Sponsors

Thank You!

Our impact with something as exciting & dynamic as local food and as complex as food systems is greatest when we work together, eat together, and dream together. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our many sponsors:

The mission of AgVa Foundation is to create and facilitate the development of value-added agriculture business ventures. Recently, the program’s emphasis and guidelines have changed to reflect the evolution of agriculture over the past decade, with a focus on:

• Programs that meet nutritional, educational, or leadership needs of rural youth;
• Mentoring and training for young and beginning farmers;
• Continuing education and training for existing farmers;
• Local events in rural communities that promote agriculture or local foods;
• Agricultural entrepreneurship education and training.

The AgVa Foundation has provided generous support to our programming, including field day sponsorship, “The Gathering: Coming Together Around Local Food”, and the North Iowa Local Food Coalition.

John K. and Luise V. Hanson created their family foundation in 1970 with $1 million. Their desire was to strengthen and enhance the quality of life in Forest City and its neighboring communities for future generations–to give back to those who worked for and supported the company they started in 1958, Winnebago Industries. Nearly five decades later, their family vision has touched tens of thousands of lives through more than 700 organizations in 104 communities.

Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all profits from Newman’s Own products to support children, their families, and their communities.

Their generosity has been instrumental in expanding our farm to school programming across North Iowa — from bringing fresh, local produce into classrooms and cafeterias to supporting hands-on learning experiences. With their support, we’ve inspired the next generation to eat healthier, support local farmers, and build lifelong connections to food.

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North Iowa Children’s Alliance is one of 38 Early Childhood Iowa Areas across the state, serving Cerro Gordo, Hancock, and Worth Counties.

There are nearly 2,000 days from birth to the first day of Kindergarten. A child’s earliest experiences lay the groundwork for future health physically, mentally, and emotionally. Investing in Iowa’s youth, ages 0-5, helps promote future success in school, the workplace, and in building healthy relationships.

CLtel is a locally owned communications company providing phone, internet, and technology services to the Clear Lake community. In addition to keeping residents and businesses connected, CLtel is a strong community partner, supporting local events like The Green Expo and farmers market work. Their commitment helps strengthen both our local economy and our local food system.

First Citizens Charitable Foundation, Inc. was organized to distribute funds to charitable, religious, educational, and health care institutions in North Iowa and Minnesota. Application deadlines are June 1 and November 15 of each year. Since 1995, over $9.2 million has been donated to our North Iowa and Minnesota communities.

Hearing Associates has been providing patients in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Mason City, and surrounding communities with expert audiology services since 1987. They are dedicated to helping improve quality of life through better hearing.

Hearing Associates has been a generous supporter of our programming, helping us lead conversations across North Central Iowa.

With deep roots in Clear Lake, IA, Clear Lake Bank & Trust combines modern online banking services with hometown care. Our team has a deep understanding of the region’s financial landscape and delivers personal and business banking solutions that align with your lifestyle and support your long-term growth goals.

Quality furniture at affordable prices. “We strive to be Your Ultimate North Iowa Home Furnishings Destination.