Karibu Market: Now open

The doors of Karibu Market opened on Friday, and it could not have been more beautiful.

A collaboration between Community Action of Eastern Iowa and Tapestry Farms, this market offers culturally specific food for people from east and central Africa, as well as personal care items, for families who qualify.

Karibu means “welcome” in Swahili. The food and products included at Karibu Market were chosen by staff members of Tapestry Farms who are from east and central Africa.

“At a time when food prices are rising, this market offers a way for families to eat nutritious food that is familiar,” said Ann McGlynn, executive director of Tapestry Farms. “The staff of Community Action have worked really hard to create a truly welcoming space. We could not be more grateful for their visionary concept and collective work.”

Mango juice, dried plantains, specific oils and spices, and basmati rice lined the shelves. In the produce section, the three families who shopped for Friday’s first opening found avocados, Roma tomatoes, onions, peppers, eggplants, garlic, potatoes, oranges, apples, and cabbages. Produce grown by Tapestry Farms will be available throughout the summer, including intoryi (African eggplant) and lenga-lenga, a leafy green. Protein included eggs, goat meat, and whole fish. Personal care items included shampoo for Black hair.

Ten refugee families connected with Tapestry Farms will be the customers to start, with hopes of expanding. The market is part of an effort to building the Quad Cities welcoming infrastructure. It is free for qualified families to visit.

"Community Action of Eastern Iowa is honored to partner with Tapestry Farms and the families who are founding members of Karibu Market. Co-creating services with families represents the future of equitable and effective human services,” said Roger Pavey, executive director of Community Action of Eastern Iowa.