The holiday season is often the busiest time of year for food pantries. As DMARC continues to experience record levels of need, with an average of 1,200 individuals served daily, their commitment to providing local food is more important than ever.

Eat Greater Des Moines, a partner in the Iowa Food System Coalition, joined in the fun at the Iowa Farmer's Union Day at the State Fair. With their innovative blender bike, EGDSM demonstrated the vibrant energy and commitment that IFSC members bring to building a stronger local and regional food system in Iowa.

Healthy Harvest of North Iowa (HHNI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food system and connecting the community to those who grow food in North Central Iowa. HHNI offers a wealth of resources, including a local foods recipe database, comprehensive local food guides available in print and online, and a hub of producer resources.

The Center for Rural Affairs has been advocating for rural communities for over 50 years, and has been working in Iowa for nearly ten years. The Center has recently had the opportunity to expand our local foods programming, historically focused in Nebraska, into Southwest Iowa.

The Iowa Health and Human Services Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Team is leading the efforts with the Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH) chapter of the Iowa Food Plan. This team includes public health professionals and dietitians that lead initiatives to improve access to resources and opportunities that allow Iowans to eat a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle.

Iowa Valley’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for accelerated change is reflected in its leadership that is modeling what’s possible through a vibrant ecosystem of farms, businesses, the natural environment, and thriving urban and rural communities.