Thursday, February 9, 2012

Iowa Home Based Bakeries: Know Your Facts

So it came up today about being licensed & insured as a home food vendor. I AM! I got my food license before I even opened. I am also insured. It is important to me to run my business the right way. From the 1st idea I had in doing this I started my research. I am proud to be both, do they cost me money....yes. How is it not worth it though!

Now here are some crazy facts about the rules in Iowa. As a home bakery I don't need a food license. You need one to resell your products (like to NWG or Fareway). So keep in mind when you buy from a home bakery, there are NO regulations for them to be inspected. A ton can go on in that kitchen that you don't know about. Food illnesses are not hard to create.

Home bakeries are plenty in Iowa, I see new ones pop up all the time. What makes me cringe is there are no inspectors going into these homes. No one to see the conditions people are making these baked goods. Do they have a door to keep pets out, is the refrigerator the right temp to keep milk & egg products fresh, did they change a diaper on the counter (ok gross but you get my point)????? If you get inspected you offer your home at any point for another inspection besides your annual to renew.

Know your facts and be picky about who you buy from......you wouldn't eat dinner at a place you knew didn't pass the inspection. Don't buy baked goods from someone just because they are cheap, or new, or you know them. If they don't have a food license & insurance question their ability to be serious about their business.

Elaina

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Love is in the Air

Wow it is our 1st Valentine's Day & it's fun!! I love how everyone is excited to give the perfect give to show their loved one how much they mean to them. It's mushy & overdone sometimes but its the best! I am that person always wanting to get the perfect gift, its better than getting anything for me just seeing the face of who is getting it. So onto the news of the month!!

1. Valentine's Day Specials: Mix & Match 6 pack for $9.00. This includes chocolate with either chocolate or strawberry frosting, almond, or red velvet. You can get directly through me OR order through Northwest Greenhouse's NEW website if you need flowers too. Flowers & cupcakes are a pretty good combo!

http://www.nwgreenhouse.com/

2. February 11th we will be at the Purple Crow for Birthday Saturday!! If your birthday is in February you get 10% off your order. Great place to support a local small business AND get your Valentine's Day gift.

3. February 11th we will also be at Miss Emmalynn's Vendor Fair/Bake Sale. Money will help the family during their upcoming medical expenses. To find out more click the link below. Cupcakes will be donated for the bake sale by us along with many other great people!!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/247154461985268/#!/events/348834831793828/

4. This hasn't been released......we will be also be at the Boone Homeshow February 24-25th! There will be a food & wine vendor area with samples & info on each business. More info to come later!!

This is an exciting month and next month is our 1 year anniversary!!! Thank you for all your support & check out our facebook page!
Elaina