Local Food Leader 101 Certification (LFL 101) is an individual, skill-building certification for beginning food systems practitioners or those looking to be engaged in their local food system. The certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, dignity and involvement in food systems, facilitation and leadership, evaluation and professional development. 

Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 101 and eligible to participate in Local Food Leader 201. Workshop sections include:

• Food systems common language
• Dignity and involvement in food systems
• Facilitation and leadership
• Creating plans of work
• Project and program evaluation
• Professional development

Jodie Huegerich, RDN, LD is a Certified Local Food Leader Trainer and provides an in-person LFL 101 workshop each year in the Cedar Valley. This workshop is developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. 

Cost: $150/person and includes 1 ½ days of class, binder with materials and lunch on the second day. Participants must attend both days to receive the certificate. 

Registration link coming soon! 

Register no later than December 15th. Class limited to 20 participants and registration will close before December 15th if capacity is reached. 

Workshop Agenda 

January 15, 2026 DAY 1 

Noon Check-in + Networking 

12:30 pm: Introductions + Common Language 

1:30 pm Working in Food Systems 

3 pm Networking/Break

3:30 pm Leadership Styles + Facilitation Techniques (90 minutes) 

5 pm Wrap up & Adjourn 

January 16, 2026 DAY 2: 

7:30 am Doors open/Networking 

8:00 am: Reflection on Day 1 

8:30 am: Dignity & Involvement in the Food System 

10:30 am Break 

10:45 am Intro to Evaluation 

12:45 pm Lunch/Break/Networking (Lunch provided) 

1:45 pm Plans of Work + Professional Development 

3:45 pm Wrap-up 

4:00 pm Adjourn