Contacts: Deborah Solie, senior project associate, [email protected] or 402.870.1133; or Rhea Landholm, communications manager, [email protected] or 402.687.2100, ext. 1025
SOUTHWEST IOWA—Residents and farmers in southwest Iowa interested in local foods and rural communities are invited to take part in upcoming community conversations. These free events are hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
“Southwest Iowa Farmers Collaboration Meetings” will be April 8 and 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Council Bluffs. The meetings are co-hosted by Golden Hills RC&D.
Farmers from Monona, Crawford, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, Carroll, Audubon, and Page counties in Iowa are asked to join a discussion about how they can support each other in light of recent funding cuts to programs and explore how regional food hubs can best serve their needs.
“Building Community Through Conversations: Civity Events on Connection and Local Foods” will be April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Atlantic, and May 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Shenandoah.
This event will provide a space for thoughtful dialogue to help move beyond transactional interactions toward deeper, more inclusive relationships. Civity is about intentionally building bridges across differences through meaningful connections.
“These community conversations are designed to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration; from farmers to grocers to consumers, local food systems offer opportunities for shared experiences and joint efforts,” said Deborah Solie, senior project associate with the Center. “Together, we’ll explore how relationship-building can support a more resilient and equitable food system.”
Registration for all events is not required but is appreciated. For more information, contact Solie at [email protected], 402.870.1133, or visit cfra.org/events.
