Deborah Solie, Project Associate, 402.870.1133, deborahs@cfra.org; Teresa Hoffman, senior communications associate, 402.687.2100, ext. 1012, teresah@cfra.org
SOUTHWEST IOWA – Is your community ready to explore how to make locally grown foods accessible? How you can connect people with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options?
Communities in southwest Iowa are encouraged to apply to a new food access initiative, led by the Center for Rural Affairs.
Six communities will be chosen for the project, and must be located in Monona, Crawford, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, Carroll, Audubon, or Page counties.
“We want to learn how local food leaders and community members can empower and increase access to local foods in rural communities,” said Deborah Solie, project associate with the Center. “We want to learn which community-based practices can help reach the goals of local food access and consumption in rural communities.”
The Center will work with communities on project planning, local food sourcing, and developing a food access plan.
The initiative includes engaging rural grocery store owners and operators, diversified farmers, community leaders, business owners, and residents through community meetings, food access planning, curriculum development, and regional networking.
Interested communities may contact Solie at 402.870.1133 or deborahs@cfra.org by June 9. More information can be found at cfra.org/local-food-SW-iowa.
