The Tallgrass Grocery Co-op is the latest member of the local food movement in Des Moines. Linda Gobberdiel, Carlyn Crowe and I talk about the improved nutrition, sustainability, independence and security associated with food grown in Iowa. At this point, we only produce about 20% of the food Iowan eat. That statistic is a little scary in terms of any disaster that might affect rail or road transport. Tallgrass is tied into Priority #10 of Healthy Polk 2020--Access to healthy, affordable food for everyone. The new grocery will be located in Fair World Gallery on 5th Street in Valley Junction. It will be the first grocery store within walking distance of the Valley Junction neighborhood. Unfortunately, they aren't going to let me bring them my extra zucchinis, but they are developing producer standards, and the neat thing about being a member is that we will get to help decide on such standards. Becoming a member of Tallgrass costs only $100, and provides a 5% discount, as well as a vote in decisions. Down the road, the Board expects to pay dividends to members. We talk a little about expanding Iowa's growing season through greenhouses and hoop houses, as well as permaculture. And we touch on the big improvements in diet through eating fresher, local food. One of the best things is how yummy it is though. Less