Investigating feasibility of food hub node expansion in Dubuque, Iowa [M2016-05]

Project Description: 

Food hub nodes are small cold storage facilities that are managed remotely by a larger hub. Nodes provide easy access for local farmers to tap into a larger distribution system. They also offer the opportunity to enhance services to valuable urban markets with negligible increases in transportation costs and transaction costs. Nodes will increase the amount of local food demanded in Northeast Iowa and increase opportunity for local farmers to engage in the food system.  This project proposes using the Iowa Food Hub infrastructure and sales platforms to further facilitate rural-urban partnerships, testing the concept of a food hub node in order to increase food hub development, and increase markets for locally produced food. The project is supported in the Dubuque region and is viewed as their next step to increase local food commerce in the region.  

Project ID: 
M2016-05
Years of Grant Project: 
1
Total Grant Amount: 
$21,987
Project Start: 
2016
Lead Investigator: 
Georgia Windhorst
Lead Investigator Bio: 

Georgia Windhorst has been promoted to General Manager at the Iowa Food Hub. Windhorst joined IFH in 2014 as the sales and marketing assistant. A Luther College graduate, Windhorst studied Environmental Policy and Spanish. Food system development was of special interest. She has worked in various aspects of the food system including vegetable production and serving up entrees in Decorah restaurants. While at the food hub, Georgia coordinated the whole animal meat program and launched an a la carte online ordering program. Windhorst steps into the role previously held by Nick Mabe who is relocating to the Twin Cities. 

Email: gm@iowafoodhub.com