A world of taste in Cedar Falls: International food event supports local food banks

Iowa – In an impressive display of community spirit and culinary diversity, Cedar Valley is tackling the challenge of food insecurity head-on. This Sunday, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank took the lead by hosting its ninth annual International Food Tasting event in Cedar Falls. This event not only showcases the rich tapestry of global cuisine but also plays a crucial role in fundraising for eastern Iowa food banks, which are currently grappling with the issue of food insecurity.

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The venue for this gastronomic extravaganza was the Saint Patrick Catholic Church, where locals had the unique opportunity to savor a variety of classic international dishes. The menu featured an array of cuisines from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bosnia, the Philippines, Iran, Croatia, and Ukraine, offering a taste of the world right in Cedar Falls.

Further insights into the impact of this initiative and the current state of food insecurity in eastern Iowa were provided in a press release issued for Sunday’s food tasting event.

“Are you a fan of international food? Mark off your calendars for this year’s International Food Tasting Event! The International Food Tasting Event will occur Sunday, November 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church located at 705 Main Street in Cedar Falls. The event is all you can eat and costs $25 for adults and $10 for kids 10 and under.

Food insecurity is one of the most prominent issues affecting the Cedar Valley. According to Feeding America, one in fourteen people in Iowa face hunger. Members of the Cedar Valley can work together to make a difference this holiday season.”

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Iowa’s News Now spoke with Chitra Reddy, Organizer of the ninth annual International Food Tasting, to talk about Sunday’s fundraising event.

“This is the only place in cedar valley where you can taste 18 different cuisines under one roof,” said Reddy. “I think there is no better place where you can taste all of this food, especially in cedar valley and we are doing it under one roof, raising money for the Backpack Program for Kids. I think there are many reasons and I could go on and on.”

All of the proceeds from this year’s food tasting event will go toward the Cedar Valley Food Pantry and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

Sunday’s food tasting was a one-day event, however, residents can still make donations to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank or the Cedar Valley Food Pantry.

You can read more about the Cedar Valley Food Pantry and their programming by clicking here.