Camp Creek Organic Produce

History and Mission

Camp Creek Organic Produce is located in Kalona, Iowa. This thriving farm is focused on building a resilient local food system by serving schools, grocery stores, food hubs, and restaurants across Iowa with high-quality Certified Organic produce. The farm is committed to changing how we think about food, prioritizing health for people and the planet through sustainable and organic practices.

Practices

The farm relies on Certified Organic methods, recognized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Key practices include sustainable farming, reduced tillage, and soil-based growing systems to enhance the nutritional value of their products. They use compost and local animal manure to enrich their soil, along with crop rotation to maintain soil health. Additionally, Camp Creek Organic Produce is 100% solar-powered, emphasizing their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Offerings

Camp Creek Organic Produce specializes in organic greens and sprouts, including microgreens known for their concentrated nutrients and antioxidants. The farm also offers pet grass, a wheatgrass rich in amino acids and vitamins, ideal for boosting energy and supporting digestion in pets.

Community Engagement and Initiatives

The farm places a strong emphasis on community connection and involvement. They've received a USDA grant to help deliver food directly to school districts and facilitate regional food transport. Camp Creek supports underrepresented local producers, such as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Veteran farmers, and engages the community through farm tours and presentations.

Distribution and Buyer Experience

Camp Creek Organic Produce supplies direct delivery to schools and has established a food hub to connect local farms with institutional buyers like hospitals and restaurants. This approach allows farmers to focus more on growing while the food hub manages distribution and marketing.

Employment and Team

The farm offers various employment opportunities, from horticulture labor to retail sales management, emphasizing fair wages and bonuses for their employees and contributing to the local economy.