Farm to Institution
Every day, millions across the nation dine outside their homes, whether at schools, hospitals, restaurants, or by purchasing from grocery and convenience stores (Source USDA). These establishments serve as vital avenues for local producers to thrive; fostering connections with communities and promoting health.
Our team facilitates these connections, linking farmers with institutional buyers such as schools and restaurants. Each January and July, we host networking events to bolster relationships between local food producers and buyers. Proudly part of Iowa's Food Hub network, we operate as a node for the Decorah based Hub, contributing to the statewide effort to enhance sales opportunities for local producers.
Farm to School
Reimagining school food and school wellness as an upstream solution for community health
Union Community School District, Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, and Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District have all seen changes in their school menus and wellness culture by participating in a Farm to School Planning/Implementation Grant. You can find out more about their programs here. Participating in this grant opportunity has given them an opportunity to connect with local farms and local products and have external support in their farm to school/wellness efforts.
The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa would like to support and empower food service directors & their staff, teachers, parents, students, and school boards to teach students about fresh, locally sourced food through changes in the school menu, school gardens, wellness programs, and activities.
Why do we think this is important?
Schools are a place where our children and youth are getting one or two major meals of the day and in some cases their only meals for the day. In addition, schools may be the only place youth are learning about nutrition, health, and food.
In addition, farm to school programs:
- Create a school food environment that features fresh, locally grown as much as possible.
- Invest in local food & farm enterprises.
- Rely on a shorter supply chain close to home without as many shortages as the national and global supply chains.
- Potentially provide more local job opportunities.
- Build community relations.
(You can learn more about the benefits of Farm to School here.)
If your school district is interested in participating, we can:
- Put together a team in your community to work and develop a Farm to School plan.
- We will help secure resources needed.
- We will help you find resources that are currently available.