Scarecrows Against Hunger to Stomp Out Food Insecurity

Farm Fields, IA – September 3, 2025 – 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, 2025 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.”

Together, we can stuff the truck, fill the shelves, and scare hunger away for good.

Event Details

       Location:  Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4400 6th St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
       Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
       Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
       Admission: $5 entry at the door or online. 
       10% of all ticket proceeds go to support the Together We Achieve. Tickets available here: https://scarecrowfestival.org/tickets/

       See the Market Vendors:  https://scarecrowfestival.org/vendors/

       Submit a Scarecrow:  https://scarecrowfestival.org/register/

About Scarecrows Against Hunger

Scarecrows Against Hunger is a grassroots campaign rooted in compassion, community, and a whole lot of straw. Founded by a quirky coalition of field-dwellers, the organization mobilizes scarecrows from across Iowa to raise awareness and support for local food insecurity initiatives. Standing still for change. Rustling up kindness. https://ScarecrowsAgainstHunger.org/ 

About Together We Achieve 

At Together We Achieve, we are committed to fighting food insecurity and fostering a resilient, thriving community. Through our choice food pantry, Meals to Go program, and holiday meal box distributions, we provide low-barrier access to essential resources for families in need.

About Made in Iowa

Made in Iowa curates high-quality vendor markets celebrating the talent and creativity of Iowa’s makers. Events regularly feature 150+ vendors from dozens of communities across the state and thousands of attendees. Upcoming Made in Iowa dates include Oct. 18, Nov. 29–30, Dec. 20–21, Jan. 31–Feb. 1, and April 18. The Made for Her Market — a celebration of women and the things they love — will take place March 14, 2026. The Scarecrow Festival takes place Oct 18. Learn more at MadeInIowa.org.

Scarecrows Against Hunger Contact: 
Cornelius Hayward
Director of Strawtegic Initiatives
Email: Cornelius@ScarecrowsAgainstHunger.org
Website: https://ScarecrowsAgainstHunger.org/