Ann McGlynn, the driving force behind Tapestry Farms in Davenport, Iowa, has been bestowed with the esteemed 2025 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award. This accolade acknowledges her impactful work in revolutionizing food accessibility within the Quad Cities area. Through innovative land reclamation, Tapestry Farms has yielded over 20,000 pounds of fresh, culturally appropriate produce, significantly enhancing local food supply chains and supporting those in need. This remarkable achievement underscores a profound commitment to community well-being and sustainable practices.
McGlynn's journey with Tapestry Farms, established in 2017, extends beyond agriculture to encompass comprehensive support for refugee families, providing essential services such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment. Her vision, initially inspired by an encounter with a refugee family and a simple act of sharing home-grown produce, blossomed into an organization that has assisted over 130 families. This aligns with former Governor Robert Ray's legacy of welcoming and aiding refugees, demonstrating a continuous thread of compassion and humanitarian action in Iowa. The upcoming Iowa Hunger Summit will serve as a platform to celebrate McGlynn's contributions and address ongoing food insecurity challenges.
Pioneering Sustainable Food Solutions
Ann McGlynn's leadership at Tapestry Farms has been instrumental in transforming neglected urban spaces into thriving agricultural hubs. Her innovative approach to utilizing underused land for food production has not only yielded impressive harvests, but has also established a model for community-based food security. The recognition from the World Food Prize Foundation highlights the significant impact of local initiatives in addressing critical societal needs.
Tapestry Farms, under McGlynn's guidance, produced over 11,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in the previous year, a testament to the dedication of its staff, interns, and 300 volunteers. Operating across 12 sites in the Quad Cities and incorporating a hydroponic shipping container funded by the John Deere Foundation, the farm ensures year-round cultivation. This continuous production significantly boosts food availability, distributing fresh produce through various channels including food pantries, monthly subscriptions, and farmers' markets, thereby nourishing countless families and strengthening community ties.
A Legacy of Compassion and Community Engagement
The foundation of Tapestry Farms in 2017 marked the beginning of a holistic support system for refugee families, offering crucial assistance beyond food provision. The organization's commitment to integrating new community members by addressing their fundamental needs for housing, medical care, education, and employment demonstrates a deep understanding of humanitarian principles. This comprehensive support model is a direct extension of McGlynn's personal experiences and her dedication to fostering inclusive communities.
McGlynn's inspiration stemmed from observing the needs of a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo and reflecting on Governor Robert Ray’s historical commitment to aiding refugees in Iowa. Her efforts echo Ray’s enduring legacy of compassion and service, culminating in the esteemed humanitarian award. As a two-time University of Iowa graduate with a background in journalism and business, McGlynn brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and empathetic leadership to her role, continually striving to create a more food-secure and welcoming environment for all Iowans.
