Some Iowa growers opt for growing crops outside of the big corn and soybean markets. Farmers and experts hope that, amid the challenges, are potential wins for better health, stronger
AJ TaylorFebruary 28, 2021Last Updated: February 28, 2021
Iowa children at 80 schools and early care centers ate healthy local food last fall despite the pandemic, thanks to the Local Produce and Protein Program grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (which was funded by the CARES Act). More than half of the schools partnered with a local food hub for procurement.
Food hubs are organizations that connect farmers with buyers, to aggregate and often deliver locally raised vegetables, dairy products and meat. Food hubs can help institutions purchase local food at a larger scale, expanding the market for Iowa-grown food and bringing more income to local farmers. Ten hubs operating across Iowa in 2020 belong to the Iowa Food Hub Managers Working Group, supported by staff at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development. Eight of the hubs supported the Local Produce and Protein Program in some way.