This month, we’re shining a light on the many ways you can engage with our region’s vibrant local food community. Whether you’re looking to build connections, share resources, or give back, there’s a place for everyone to get involved.

Ways to Get Involved:

🥬 Join a Local Food Coalition: Coalitions bridge relationships, technology, and business to build a sustainable local food system—delivering health, economic, and environmental benefits.

  • The Iowa Food System Coalition: The IFSC was formed to chart a course toward a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa.
  • North Iowa Local Food Coalition: Serves as a broad-based effort to help identify and connect relationships, technical, business, and communication assets of local and regional food system development that improves the health, economic, and environmental sustainability of producers and communities in North Iowa.

🥬 Be Part of a Local Food Community: Connect with non-profits or become a member of a local or state-level organization to expand your network and strengthen the local food movement.

  • Healthy Harvest Membership for Everyone: Whether you’re growing, producing, or simply passionate about local food, there’s a membership level designed just for you. Explore the level that suits you and join us in strengthening North Iowa’s local food network.

🥬 Spread the Word: Love your local farmers market? Found a local product you can’t live without? Share it with friends and family! Word of mouth is one of the highest compliments for small farms and producers.

🥬 Share a Resource: Sharing is caring! Help others grow food, find a new favorite recipe, or explore a local CSA option by sharing useful local food resources.

🥬 Volunteer: Many organizations need extra hands. Consider helping out at a local food bank, pantry, mutual aid group, community garden, or farmers market.

🥬 Join a Board: Help shape the future of local food by joining the board of an organization. It’s a great way to make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful decisions.

The Last Bite:
When you engage with the local food scene, you’re not just supporting farmers and producers—you’re building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. Which action will you take? Let us know using #GrowEatPlay!