Groundswell Cafe

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201 3rd Ave SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Groundswell Cafe in Cedar Rapids is a hub for connecting with the community while addressing food insecurity. By dining at this cafe, patrons contribute to the mission of providing fresh, healthy meals to those in need. The cafe offers a variety of nutritious options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and omelets sourced from the local Cultivate Hope Urban Farm and hydroponic garden.

One unique aspect of Groundswell Cafe is its Pay-It-Forward program, allowing customers to donate towards meals for individuals who cannot afford to pay. Additionally, the cafe welcomes volunteers to assist with various tasks such as serving food, hospitality, and dishwashing. For organizations looking to give back, participating in the Lunch for Linn Program can support free meal provision at the cafe.

Furthermore, Groundswell Cafe provides a platform for artists to showcase their work through the Groundswell Gallery. Artists can host exhibitions at the cafe, with the opportunity to sell their art for a small commission fee. This initiative adds a creative touch to the cafe's community-focused atmosphere.

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Reviews

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5.020 reviews
Photo of Rachelle P.
Rachelle P.
9/7/2025

great food. delightful service folks. the day we were there someone was late and short staffed. no shortage of smiles and good attitudes. so nice !

Photo of Zoe C.
Zoe C.
11/4/2024

The food was amazing, the best tasting breakfast sandwich I've had, and I wasn't even aware of the local community food that this place does until I got there (offers free meals to those in need...

Photo of Vicki L.
Vicki L.
7/16/2024

Excellent sandwiches, granola and soups. Lovely service. Great community program. I love supporting this place.

Douglas R.
3/31/2025

Great 4 course meal with attentive staff. Will try to come back for baked goods soon. I heard from Baker that the cinnamon rolls and bear claws were very good.

Photo of Suzanne D.
Suzanne D.
11/17/2023

I wanted to love Groundswell Cafe because of their mission, but it was not a homerun for me. The food menu is limited and is trying to be locally sourced and seasonal. I tried their cranberry...

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Matthew 25 is a local nonprofit organization in Cedar Rapids, IA, dedicated to improving lives through initiatives focused on quality housing, healthy food, education, and community building. With a strong emphasis on building connected and thriving communities, Matthew 25 works to bridge the gap in life expectancy and household income disparities in the neighborhoods it serves. Through innovative projects such as the Cultivate Hope Corner Store and Groundswell Cafe, Matthew 25 provides access to fresh, healthy food and serves as a hub for community engagement. With a history of significant investment in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods and a commitment to volunteerism, Matthew 25 is a homegrown nonprofit that strives to make a positive impact on the local community. Matthew 25's mission is to create stronger neighborhoods and healthier lives in Cedar Rapids, IA. Through their Four Pillars of Strong Neighborhoods, they address the specific needs of the community by focusing on quality housing, educational opportunities, healthy food access, and community building. With over $10 million invested in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods and 200,000 volunteer hours generated, Matthew 25 is a trusted organization that aims to close the gap in life expectancy and household income disparities. Their innovative projects, including the Cultivate Hope Corner Store and Groundswell Cafe, provide fresh and affordable food options while fostering community engagement. As a local nonprofit, Matthew 25 relies on donations, partnerships, and volunteer support to continue their mission of building connected and thriving communities in Cedar Rapids.Generated from the website
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