Introducing the Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award

Luke Elzinga receives the inaugural Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award at the 2026 Iowa Farm & Food Conference.

At the 2026 Iowa Farm & Food Conference, the Iowa Food System Coalition and the Iowa Hunger Coalition were honored to announce the creation of a new annual award recognizing outstanding advocacy and leadership in Iowa's food system.

The Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award will honor an individual who consistently shows up, helps others find their voice, builds relationships across communities and organizations, and advances a stronger, more equitable food system for Iowa.

Advocacy takes many forms. Sometimes it happens in legislative meetings and public hearings. Sometimes it happens in community conversations, coalition meetings, or behind-the-scenes relationship building. Often, the most effective advocates are the people helping others lead, encouraging participation, and creating space for new voices to be heard.

For many in Iowa's food and farming community, Luke Elzinga embodies those qualities.

Throughout his career, Luke has been a tireless advocate for policies and programs that improve food access, reduce hunger, strengthen communities, and support a more resilient food system. Just as importantly, he has helped countless others engage in advocacy, build confidence, and recognize their own ability to create change.

His impact can be seen not only in the policies he has helped advance, but in the people, organizations, and coalitions he has supported along the way.

Because of that legacy, the Iowa Food System Coalition and Iowa Hunger Coalition were honored to present the inaugural Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award to its namesake.

The award reflects the belief that lasting change happens through collaboration, persistence, and a willingness to imagine something better. Those values have long guided Luke's work and continue to shape the broader food systems movement in Iowa.

Beginning in 2027, the Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award will be presented annually at the Iowa Farm & Food Conference to recognize an individual whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment have strengthened Iowa's food system and inspired others to take action.

Congratulations, Luke, and thank you for your years of service, leadership, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of Iowa communities.

Photo (left to right): Paige Chickering (Iowa Hunger Coalition), Luke Elzinga, Tommy Hexter (Iowa Food System Coalition), and Chelsea Lynn (IFSC Steering Committee Chair) during the presentation of the inaugural Luke Elzinga Advocacy Award at the 2026 Iowa Farm & Food Conference.