ATLANTIC, IA (June 24, 2026) – Fewer than 10% of Iowans eat enough vegetables a day, according the CDC. Produce in the Park wants to change that, and they’re asking for volunteers to help. Incorporating produce into diets that don’t already include them can be difficult, and many people may not know where to start. This is where Fresh Produce Samplers and Guest Chef come in, two volunteer positions that introduce community members to the different types and uses of fresh produce.
Fresh Produce Samplers hand out free, fresh produce samples to market attendees of all ages. Guest Chefs prepare a recipe featuring produce available at the farmers market, and pass out bite-sized samples to market visitors. While some people are reluctant to serve as Guest Chefs because they don’t consider themselves good cooks, Market Manager Ciara Hoegh shares that the most popular recipes shared at the market are often the simplest ones. (Photo’s courtesy of Ciara Hoegh)
Furthermore, the market looks to showcase a wide range of recipes; any recipe is welcome as long as it features produce available at the market and is serveable to market-goers, most preferably at room temperature. Recipe types featured at the market have included sides and main dishes, sauces, dips, desserts and more. Guest Chefs are welcome to prepare their recipe at the market, but most prefer to prepare the dish in advance.
If needed, Produce in the Park can provide a table-sized skillet or grill at the market. Produce in the Park provides sample serving materials, such as napkins, silverware, or small cups, and prints copies of the featured recipe. The chef is asked to use fresh ingredients from Produce in the Park vendors, which are provided free of charge by the market. Guest Chefs and Fresh Produce Samplers serve taste tests at Produce in the Park every Thursday from the beginning of June through the end of September, 4:30–6:30 PM in the Atlantic City Park. Setup begins at 3:30 PM.
Bridging the daily produce intake gap can be as simple as handing out a slice of cucumber or preparing a favorite recipe for the market. Fresh Produce Samplers and Guest Chefs are just one part of the solution to creating a healthier Iowa population, and Produce in the Park connects volunteers and market-goers to the solution.
Additionally, this effort aligns with the goals outlined in the Cass County Community Health Improvement Plan, which prioritizes increasing access to affordable, healthy foods.
Through community-based distribution efforts and strong local partnerships, initiatives like Produce in the Park are helping reduce barriers to fresh produce and support healthier eating habits across the community.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer as a Fresh Produce Sampler or Guest Chef, contact Produce in the Park at produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com, or call or text Market Manager Ciara Hoegh at 712-249-5870.
Produce in the Park is held every Thursday evening in the Atlantic City Park from 4:30–6:30 PM from June through September. All are welcome, and admission is free. Produce in the Park believes in making fresh, local produce accessible for all people. The market accepts SNAP/EBT, SUN Bucks and Double Up Food Bucks, which are 2-for-1 produce coupons available to SNAP/EBT and Summer EBT recipients.
Produce in the Park gives many thanks to the help from the local community, including volunteers and sponsors. Sponsors help provide supplies and local food products volunteers use. Businesses and organizations supporting Produce in the Park as Annual Sponsors for the 2026-2027 season include the City of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass Health, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Cass County Tourism, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Gregg Young Chevrolet of Atlantic, and the Nishna Valley YMCA. Sponsors for the month of June include Community First Credit Union and United Church of Christ.
For the latest information on all Produce in the Park markets, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/).
