Table Talk: Iowa Food System Coalition News & Events
Stories from across the state showcase the amazing dedication and innovation taking place to build the foundation of a local and regional food system that supports the health and vitality of Iowans, our communities, and the environment. Check out these stories, and come back for regular updates!
Category
Local Food Policy Summit to Advance Iowa's Agricultural Goals
The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) invites stakeholders from across Iowa’s agricultural community to join the Local Food Policy Summit, a gathering for statewide food system partners, including state agencies, legislators, farmers and other organizations to share information about food system priorities leading up to the 2025 Iowa legislative session.
Bring Iowa Home for the Holidays
This holiday season, the Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) and its partners are proud to highlight the incredible work happening across our state to bring locally-grown food to your table. We are excited to showcase the initiatives, events, and resources from our partners to make this season a celebration of Iowa's thriving local food community.
Local Food at DMARC: A Holiday Season of Impact and Community
The holiday season is often the busiest time of year for food pantries. As DMARC continues to experience record levels of need, with an average of 1,200 individuals served daily, their commitment to providing local food is more important than ever.
Eat Greater Des Moines Showcases Local Food Energy at the Iowa State Fair
Eat Greater Des Moines, a partner in the Iowa Food System Coalition, joined in the fun at the Iowa Farmer's Union Day at the State Fair. With their innovative blender bike, EGDSM demonstrated the vibrant energy and commitment that IFSC members bring to building a stronger local and regional food system in Iowa.
Iowa Food Systems Coalition hosts Luncheon Launch at the state Capitol
On July 1st, IFSC hosted a Luncheon Launch on the lawn of the State Capitol to announce the arrival of our plan. This event was a great success, bringing together community members, stakeholders, and advocates to celebrate this milestone.
Partner Spotlight: Healthy Harvest of North Iowa
Healthy Harvest of North Iowa (HHNI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food system and connecting the community to those who grow food in North Central Iowa. HHNI offers a wealth of resources, including a local foods recipe database, comprehensive local food guides available in print and online, and a hub of producer resources.
Partner Spotlight: The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA)
The Center for Rural Affairs has been advocating for rural communities for over 50 years, and has been working in Iowa for nearly ten years. The Center has recently had the opportunity to expand our local foods programming, historically focused in Nebraska, into Southwest Iowa.
Partner Spotlight: The Iowa Health and Human Services Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Team
The Iowa Health and Human Services Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Team is leading the efforts with the Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH) chapter of the Iowa Food Plan. This team includes public health professionals and dietitians that lead initiatives to improve access to resources and opportunities that allow Iowans to eat a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle.
Setting The Table For All Iowans Released
We did it! We are thrilled to announce the release of Setting the Table for All Iowans–a roadmap to nurturing a thriving, sustainable, and more equitable food system.
IFSC makes connections at the 2024 Iowa Youth Institute
Representatives of the Iowa Food System Coalition played a big role at the 2024 Iowa Youth Institute held on April 29 thanks to the organizing of Megan Kemp of Iowa State University Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development.
Meet Chris Schwartz: Our New Executive Director Leading the Charge for a Thriving Food System in Iowa
The Iowa Food System Coalition is excited to announce that we have named Chris Schwartz as our new executive director.
Iowa Valley: A catalyst for Accelerated Change
Iowa Valley’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for accelerated change is reflected in its leadership that is modeling what’s possible through a vibrant ecosystem of farms, businesses, the natural environment, and thriving urban and rural communities.
New Data from 2022 Regional Food System Partnership Project Highlights SE Iowa
Value Chain Coordinators in action: The community fridge model is catching on like wildfire throughout Iowa!
Seed & Source
IFSC partner Local Food Connections hosted Seed & Source, an event to CONNECT with local producers, LEARN about options for sourcing goods, GLEAN tips on mapping out home gardens, and PLAN a year of eating local!