Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
In the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the U.S. Congress established a new requirement that all school districts with a federally-funded school meals program develop and implement wellness policies that address nutrition and physical activity by the start of the 2006-2007 school year. The Iowa City Community School District developed such a plan and included a commitment to move toward using as much locally grown, organic food as possible. The problem is how to acquire a safe, reliable source of locally grown, organic food.

Response:
The Iowa City school district has 24 buildings with a total of 11,000 students. About 5,500 lunches are served each day - not counting ala cart foods. There are only 5 kitchens in the district to prepare this food. When the request to purchase locally grown food was received, it was a problem in several ways: there was no one grower who could supply enough of any single produce item to meet the school's need and the school was not equipped to use some of the produce that was grown.

During the school year, the food service director, along with help from Iowa State Univeristy Extension and the Iowa Valley RC&D, met with growers as part of a Leopold Center Grant. There now has been a local business identified who has the ability to coordinate the efforts of the growers, clean and ship the produce to the school. Although plans are still in progress, it is hoped that by spring or fall of 2008 some locally grown produce will be used by the district. In the interim, focus is being placed on using local dairy products – yogurt and single serve milk may be used in vending or ala cart at two pilot schools.

Impact:
By using locally grown foods in the district, there should be a positive impact on the local economy. Local farmers will receive better prices for their goods. It is also hoped that improved quality will encourage consumption of healthier choices by students and faculty.

Contact:
Jan Temple
Johnson County Extension
4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd, SE
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
319-377-2145
mjtemple@iastate.edu