Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed Sept. 27 to be Iowa Local Food Day, an observance that encourages schools to supplement their meals with locally-sourced ingredients.
On Wednesday, 30 area schools participated in the statewide celebration. Sites must serve at least 2 items to participate – breakfast, lunch or taste-test – using locally sourced ingredients. Participation can be for one school or all the schools within a district.
“Iowa Local Food Day celebrates three of the very best elements of our state – our students, our farmers and our food,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Consumers are driving momentum behind local food within Iowa. There is the potential for even greater growth as more farmers and producers build even stronger connections with consumers, retailers, restaurants, schools, childcare centers, colleges and universities.”
The Iowa City Community School District celebrated by serving yogurt from Country View Dairy, located in Hawkeye, for breakfast and lunch. Iowa City’s Wilson’s Orchard & Farm apples were served at lunch.
Emily Roberts, program manager of Field to Family, a nonprofit that operates a food hub that collects, stores, distributes and promotes fresh local food, said the organization has delivered produce and local goods to 22 different schools over the past two weeks in preparation for the celebration.
Ms. Roberts said that one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing students connect their food to the local landscape, and knowing local farmers are being supported.
“I love to hear about kids trying new foods,” she said, in regards to the enthusiastic response.
Based on anticipated numbers, the participating sites collectively expect to serve 11,901 breakfasts, 44,013 lunches and 3,817 taste tests that incorporate Iowa ingredients.
