AMES, Iowa – Fall is the perfect season for apples and apple orchards. But what about crabapples? How do they differ from apples? Are they OK to eat? And which varieties are best to use? 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help answer questions about crabapples and the best ways to enjoy them. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods’ Helping Hungry Homes® initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure, joined forces with Hy-Vee Inc. to donate nearly 40,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Iowa. The donation, equivalent to nearly 160,000 servings, will help those fighting hunger across Des Moines and surrounding communities, where one in 175,000 Iowans are food insecure.

Come learn all about using a slow cooker, receive delicious recipes, food safety tips, and taste test some easy slow cooker dishes you can make at home! The workshop will be led by Kristin Bogdonas, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator.

It is sponsored by the Rock Island County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE). The cost is $5 for public or $3 for HCE members. It will be held at the Port Byron Library from 1 - 2 pm.

Local designers will compete Tuesday for Hy-Vee’s top cake designer title

DAVENPORT, Iowa (Sept. 7, 2017) — Hy-Vee’s most creative cake designers from the Quad Cities area will compete Tuesday in front of spectators at NorthPark Mall in Davenport during the semifinal of Hy-Vee’s Extreme Cake Challenge. Winners will earn a trip to the finals of the companywide competition.