As an adult, Frerick spent five years researching the nation’s food industry, culminating in his book, “Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of America's Food Industry,” which traces the rise of seven titans of the food industry and the cost of sustaining the system. Frerick will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Ames Public Library.

Beets, leeks, herbs and an array of leafy greens ready for your table can be found at the Root to Rise Farm booth at the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market.