How showing up locally helps Megan Bannister find belonging
For Megan Bannister, wellness means showing up for her community. Whether she’s at the farmers market supporting local growers, mentoring young runners or exploring the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, she’s learned that true belonging is found through presence and connection. The practice of slowing down and savoring the small, everyday moments helps her feel grounded and more present to all that’s around her.
Read on to see how Megan’s local passions shaped her sense of wellness and belonging in Iowa.
What are some of your favorite Iowa-based restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients?
There are so many great restaurants across the state that highlight locally sourced ingredients. A few of my favorites when I’m exploring other parts of the state are Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Cafe Mir in Fertile and Cobbe Hill in Cedar Rapids. Around the Des Moines metro, I love visiting spots like Harbinger, Flora at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Wilson’s Orchard’s Ciderhouse in Cumming.
Are there any particular local growers you’re especially fond of? If so, who are they and what do you enjoy most?
For a number of years my part-time weekend job was at the information booth at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, and I got to know so many incredible growers and producers during that time. I still love visiting the farmers market as well as the other markets across the metro to find locally grown produce and other handmade goods.
Tell us about the impacts of your experience with your community running group. How has it shaped your sense of community and belonging here in Iowa?
I’ve been involved with a local community running and mentoring group for elementary school-aged girls for a number of years now, and I have loved the connection it has fostered both within my neighborhood community but also within Iowa’s larger community of runners. Getting to pass along my lifelong love of running to a younger generation has been incredibly rewarding.
It’s also helped me connect with other members of my community who I may not have met otherwise.
What role does gardening play in that connection to your wellbeing in Iowa?
I’m a lifelong gardener who comes from a family of lifelong gardeners, but learning about Iowa’s unique ecosystem and native plants has really helped me build a connection to the land here. I find spending time in the garden, whether it’s my own or a place like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, is great for my mental health and helps me slow down, appreciate what’s around me, and really enjoy the Midwest’s different seasons.
