Coalition Launches Iowa Local Food Challenge with Nearly $100K in Early Commitments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mallory DeVries
Communications Director
communications@iowafoodsystemcoalition.org
Coalition Launches Iowa Local Food Challenge, Sees Strong Early Participation
DES MOINES, Iowa (May 4, 2026) — The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC), in collaboration with partners across the state, has launched the Iowa Local Food Challenge, inviting Iowans to put their dollars where their values are by spending more of their food dollars on Iowa-grown food this season.
The challenge invites individuals and families to make a flexible weekly spending commitment to local food.
Iowans spend approximately $12.6 billion on food each year, and much of that spending leaves the state. The Iowa Local Food Challenge aims to shift a portion of those dollars back into Iowa communities, supporting farmers, strengthening local markets, and building more resilient local food systems in Iowa.
“Our goal is to strengthen local food markets across Iowa,” said Tommy Hexter, Executive Director of the Iowa Food System Coalition. “When more Iowans choose to buy food grown here, it supports farmers and local businesses and contributes to improved water quality, stronger public health, and more resilient communities.”
Early participation is already building momentum statewide. In the first weekend, nearly 100 Iowans signed up for the challenge, representing more than $91,000 in committed local food spending.
Participants will receive resources throughout the season, including tools to find local food, seasonal recipes, and reminders to help build lasting habits.
Through IFSC’s statewide network of partners, more Iowans have access to local food than ever before. The Coalition has set a collective goal of directing $200,000 toward Iowa-grown food during the challenge, with progress tracked publicly as participants sign up and begin shifting their food purchases.
“What makes the Iowa Local Food Challenge impactful is that any Iowan can join where they’re at and build from there,” said Sophie Churchill of Cultivate Local Food Connections, one of IFSC’s partners. “Each individual action adds up to meaningful impact across Iowa’s food system.”
The challenge launched May 1 and will run throughout Iowa’s primary growing season, building momentum as farmers markets open and local food becomes more widely available across the state.
Iowans can learn more and join the challenge at: iowafoodsystemcoalition.org/challenge
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The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is a community of over 50 organizational partners and 600 individuals with professional and lived expertise, united to advance a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa. Through Setting the Table for All Iowans, our strategic roadmap, IFSC is leading efforts to increase local food consumption, build resilient rural communities, create economic opportunities, and improve the health of Iowans.
