CommonGround Iowa Tackles the Tough Questions

“Do organic livestock farmers use antibiotics if their animals are sick?”
“Do grain-fed cattle get sick more often than grass fed?”
“Where can I find trustworthy information on GMOs?”
“Do you buy organic apples?”

These are just a few of the questions that visitors to the Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market asked CommonGround volunteers Jan Stillman, Nicole Yoder and Julie Van Manen in July.

CommonGround is a grassroots organization funded by the corn and soybean checkoffs. More than 160 farm women across the country, representing all types of agriculture, volunteer to answer questions and provide information about food and farming.

CommonGround volunteers use their experience on the farm, as well as credible 3rd party data, to answer questions like the ones asked by farmer’s market shoppers. Volunteers also answer questions and share info online, through the CommonGround website and their own personal blogs.

Many of the shoppers who stopped at the CommonGround booth on the corner of 2nd and Court also signed up for the monthly email newsletter. The newsletter covers hot topics in food and farming from a farm woman’s perspective, and includes recipes from the farm-women volunteers.

Visit the CommonGround website to learn more about the program and click “Stay Connected” to sign up for your Fearless Food updates.

CommonGround Iowa will be back at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market on Saturday, August 29!