Organic Food Access Through Pay-it-Forward Cafe

Matthew 25 is a nonprofit working to transform Iowa neighborhoods by giving families in Cedar Rapids access to safe housing, education opportunities and fresh, healthy foods.

One of many initiatives, the Groundswell Café is a “pay-it-forward” eatery providing access to a menu of fresh, organic meals — available to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. To help cover these costs, paying patrons have the option to round up their bills or make a donation, a gesture that helps reduce food insecurity and provides healthy options for those who can’t afford it.

Additionally, Groundswell offers healthy grab-n-go meals, called Good Meals To Go, that can be purchased at an affordable price from Matthew 25’s Cultivate Hope Corner Store.

Groundswell Café will receive a $15,000 grant from Simply Organic in 2024 to support these initiatives and continue to serve and give away healthy meals to residents who need them most.