Setting the Table for All Iowans

We have an opportunity to improve our health, our land, and our communities in Iowa.

The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is a network of individuals and organizations excited to announce Setting the Table for All Iowans - a plan to create a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa.

The Coalition has involved more than 40 farm and food system partners representing farmers, government, universities, public health advocates and organizations, food banks and pantries, public schools, and more. It offers a place to connect and learn, where you can expect regular communications and collaboration among partners. Coalition partners are engaged in strategic reporting and planning, advancing policy development and advocacy, and raising awareness of the important food and farming work taking place throughout the state.

Agriculture in Iowa is a recognized economic engine and growing things is what our farmers do. Right now that primarily means growing commodities used for ethanol and animal feed. There's room to grow and strengthen our agricultural traditions, our collective health, and our economy. This means ensuring everyone has access to enough nutritious food to stay healthy while also protecting our soil and water for the future. A focus on local food systems is an important component of Iowa agriculture. It's what's on our plates and about building a sustainable and resilient food ecosystem that benefits us all.

One example of how work like this has positively impacted Iowa’s economy, health, and environment is the success of the Local Food for Schools program and Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program. These two USDA food procurement programs have demonstrated what's possible when we prioritize nutritious, locally grown food for all Iowans with fair prices paid to farmers. Combined, these programs benefited farmers, schools and access sites across 70% of the state and resulted in a $1.94 local return on every $1 invested in the program. With additional support, more programs like these could further strengthen Iowa’s economy, health, and environment.

We envision an Iowa food system that cultivates health, justice, and sustainability for all people, communities, and the environment. Join the Iowa Food System Coalition as an individual or organization to support this exciting work.

Jump To a Priority Chapter

  1. Land & Resource Access

  2. Farm & Food Business Development

  3. Farm & Food System Infrastructure

  4. Local Food Purchasing & Procurement

  5. Food, Nutrition, & Health

  6. Labor Equity

  7. Environmental Stewardship

  8. Communication & Education

  9. Local Food Policy

FAQ

  • The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is a diverse partnership of over 40 organizations and 600 individuals committed to creating a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa. We represent every step of food production, processing, and distribution, working together to advance collective goals.

  • "Setting the Table for All Iowans" is a comprehensive plan developed by the IFSC to guide the work of creating a resilient and sustainable food system in Iowa over the next decade. The plan outlines strategies to increase local food consumption, support rural communities, create economic opportunities, and improve the health of Iowans.

  • The plan aims to:

    • Increase Local Food Consumption: Encouraging Iowans to consume more locally produced food.

    • Build Resilient Communities: Strengthening rural economies and fostering community health.

    • Create Economic Opportunities: Supporting diverse agricultural practices and creating ag-related jobs.

    • Improve Health: Ensuring access to nutritious food for all Iowans.

  • The IFSC is guided by:

    • Social and racial equity

    • Transformative relationships

    • Community empowerment

    • Environmental care

    • Celebration of local agriculture

    • Food for health

  • Despite Iowa's rich agricultural capacity, only about 6% of food sold in the state is produced locally. Programs like Choose Iowa are working to increase this percentage by supporting farmers and food businesses in diversifying their offerings and expanding markets.

    • Stay Informed: Sign up for regular email updates about ongoing initiatives.

    • Join the Coalition: Fill out an IFSC Partner Commitment Form to contribute as an individual or organization.

    • Participate in Priority Teams: Engage with specific focus areas that interest you by contacting Team Leaders listed above.

Our Partners

Executive Summary

The Iowa Food System Plan organizes and prioritizes the many parts of our food system that are out of balance, while helping our partners see their work in relation to each other and the whole. It is a tool to help us speak with a unified voice to decision makers, the community and to each other. The plan calls for priorities and policies to be informed and guided by contributions from those most impacted by the food system, and it holds us accountable to all of these objectives, giving us metrics for determining our success. The plan takes a giant leap forward in finding and implementing solutions.

The Priority Chapters