In an unprecedented show of solidarity, scarecrows from fields, gardens, and pumpkin patches across Iowa have united to form Scarecrows Against Hunger. They are putting down their post duties on Oct. 18 to support Made in Iowa Fall Market & Food Drive, in partnership with Together We Achieve, to fight hunger and foster a resilient, thriving Iowa.
Scarecrows Against Hunger is a straw-filled movement created to raise awareness—and donations—for local food insecurity. Scarecrows from all walks of field life will be making their way (mostly via hayrides) to Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids to lend their support (and their stuffing) to the cause. It all takes place on Oct 18, 9am to 3pm at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids.
“We’ve spent our lives scaring off crows,” said Bea Thistle, Head of Outreach and Garden Relations, Scarecrows Against Hunger. “It’s time we scared off hunger instead.”
“It’s not easy being posted up 24/7. But if standing still with a goofy grin can help feed a family, we’re all in,” added Rusty Strawman, Co-Chair of the Flannel Oversight Committee, Scarecrows Against Hunger.
“I’ve seen too many seasons pass with too little food on too many tables,” shared Autumn “Patchy” McStuffins, Founding Member of the Gourd Governance Council, Scarecrows Against Hunger. “This fall, we take a stand—for kindness, for community, and for casseroles.”
The Scarecrow Festival at Made in Iowa will be a tribute to the creativity and compassion of local businesses, artists, and families who are invited to create their own scarecrow for public display. Think Festival of Trees, but with a lot more plaid, straw, and googly eyes.
In addition to the visual delight, the event features an active food drive and a commitment from Made in Iowa to donate 10% of door fees to Together We Achieve, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in Eastern Iowa.
Cynthia Freese, organizer of Made in Iowa and unofficial Scarecrow Wrangler, had this to say:
“We are incredibly grateful to the scarecrow community for stepping up in such a big (and slightly wobbly) way. Their hearts are as big as their hats, and we know that with their help, we can make a real difference.”