Local Veggie Vouchers Program marks 10 years serving Cedar Valley families and farmers

CEDAR FALLS, IA - As farmers market season hits full stride in the Cedar Valley, a local program connecting families with fresh, locally grown food is celebrating a major milestone. The Veggie Vouchers Program, led by the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (UNI-CEEE), is entering its 10th season after serving thousands of households and investing more than $141,000 in local farms since 2016.

Designed to increase access to healthy food while supporting local agriculture, Veggie Vouchers are distributed through healthcare providers and community organizations and redeemed directly with farmers at markets and farm stands throughout Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Evansdale and surrounding communities.

In 2025 alone, the program served 654 households, distributing over 6,400 vouchers and generating more than $20,900 in direct sales for local farmers. The program is supported by partners including the Waterloo Community Foundation, MercyOne, UnityPoint Health and Cedar Valley United Way.

"Patients are very appreciative of having the vouchers available," said Suzanne Gettman, Medical Director of the DeBonis Free Medical Clinic. "Healthy food can be expensive, and having access to fresh fruits and vegetables when you're living on a tight budget is incredibly important - something many couldn't afford otherwise."

Demand for Veggie Vouchers continues to grow. Participation often fills each season quickly, with some clinics distributing vouchers within days. At Peoples Community Health Clinic, all available vouchers were distributed in just 12 days in 2024 - an indication of the strong community need for accessible, healthy food.

For farmers, the program creates new customers and lasting relationships. Participants are introduced to local producers in a welcoming, community-centered setting, often continuing to shop at markets beyond the program.

Over the past decade, Veggie Vouchers has demonstrated measurable impacts:

• 60% of participants report eating more fruits and vegetables
• 55% visit farmers markets more often
• 30% feel less worried about food running out
• 25% report improved overall health

The program is working to expand access, increase public awareness and build long-term community-based funding to ensure its future.

"Veggie Vouchers is more than a program - it's a proven investment in community health, local farms and economic resilience in the Cedar Valley," said Kathryn Gilbery, program coordinator. "Continued community support will be essential to sustain and grow this effort for the next 10 years."

Community members are encouraged to support the program during this anniversary year. A donation of $80 provides fresh fruits and vegetables for one family, with funds going directly to local farmers. Donations can be made at foundation.uni.edu/veggievouchers.

Learn more about the impact of the program on YouTube and the other great work of the UNI Local Food Program at ceee.uni.edu/local-food-program/veggie-vouchers