Wallace Centers of Iowa relaunches farm-to-table events
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Multiple educational meal programs operate from the Wallace Farm (left) near Orient and the Wallace House in DSM. Photos: Courtesy of WCI
Wallace Centers of Iowa (WCI) recently hired a new chef and is relaunching its popular farm-to-table meals.
Why it matters: The meals are an educational outreach, helping WCI advocate for Iowa's food, land and agricultural innovation.
- Many of its eating events were on hiatus after the group's long-time chef quit in September.
Driving the news: Saralyn Smith was hired as chef and director of programming, WCI announced last week.
- In 2019, Smith was the first Iowa chef accepted into the James Beard Foundation's Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change.
State of play: WCI's meal programs will continue to focus on locally grown meals.
- The events will highlight the story of the food that's being served to bridge a disconnect people sometimes have with agriculture, Smith tells Axios.
Flashback: Part of WCI's mission is to preserve the legacy of the Wallace family — which includes farmers, journalists and politicians known for their influence in agriculture.
- The program operates from two historic locations — the Wallace House in DSM's Sherman Hill neighborhood and the Wallace Farm near Orient.
Dig in: WCI is hosting a five-course dinner series ($75) at the Wallace House to showcase Smith's work.
- April 30, May 7 and May 14, starting at 6:30pm.
Worthy of your time: Pizza on the Prairie and the Hearts & Homes Luncheon series resume next month.
