From the Ground Up
Who We Are
From a small community effort in Benton County to a volunteer-powered garden delivering fresh produce across the region.
How We Began
Our Story
Old School Produce Partners was founded in 2013 with a simple goal: help local families access fresh produce when they need it most. What began as a small community effort in Benton County has grown into a volunteer-powered organization rooted in a shared belief that neighbors can help meet one another's needs in practical, meaningful ways.
A group of local community members came together to create a solution that connects available land, volunteer effort, and local generosity to a persistent community challenge. Over time, that work has expanded beyond Benton County to also support food pantries in surrounding counties, extending the reach of fresh produce to more families across the region.
Today, Old School Produce Partners operates a one-acre community garden in Vinton, Iowa, supported by volunteers, donors, and community partners. Each season from planting in the spring to harvest in the fall, the garden produces approximately 12,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for local food pantry partners. At its core, this is a story of community action. People showing up to plant, tend, harvest, and share the work of growing food for their neighbors.
Why This Matters
Closing The Gap
Food insecurity is not just about having enough food but about having consistent access to nutritious food. In Benton County and surrounding rural communities, food pantries play a critical role in helping households through periods of financial strain and limited resources, often serving as an essential source of groceries.
However, fresh vegetables are frequently limited because of cost, storage constraints, and the short shelf life of perishable foods. This creates a nutritional gap that builds over time. When fresh produce is not consistently available, households may rely more heavily on shelf-stable and processed foods that meet immediate calorie needs but do not provide the same level of vitamins, minerals, and dietary diversity needed for long-term health and well-being.
Old School Produce Partners exists to help close that gap. By growing and delivering fresh produce directly to local food pantries, we increase the availability of nutritious foods that are often difficult for these partners to source or store. Through coordinated, just-in-time harvesting and delivery, we help ensure that fresh food reaches families at peak quality while supporting the practical limitations food pantries face in rural communities.