Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The mission of the Northwest Area Foundation is to support efforts by the people, organizations, and communities of an eight-state region to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. Iowa is one of the eight states working with the Northwest Area Foundation to reduce poverty through the Horizons Project. Iowa identified target communities with populations between 500 and 5,000 and a poverty level of 10% or more and Morning Sun, Iowa, met the criteria with 872 residents and 12.2% poverty.

Morning Sun, located in Louisa County, faces many issues related to poverty including slow economic development in the community. According to the RECAP retail report for Louisa County, the 2007 annual projected potential sales for the county was $11,284,000 but the county was only able to capture $2,891,000. Capturing potential sales is often difficult for smaller communities that compete with larger retail.

Response:
The Horizons steering committee in Morning Sun developed a list of local producers and is coordinating an upcoming Farmers Market. Buying local produce and products stimulates the local economy because dollars stay in the town where it benefits everyone and builds a stronger local economy. Independent, family-owned farms supply more local jobs and contribute to the local economy at higher rates than do large, corporate-owned farms. Local family farmers spend their money with local merchants and, eating locally grown, healthy food strengthens your family and community. Local farmers who sell directly to the consumers receive a larger share of the profit for their food and local products are also very necessary for people in poverty who often have transportation issues. The Morning Sun Horizons committee is working with local organizations such as the Morning Sun Care Center and the school to coordinate purchases from local producers.

Impact:
In addition to the expanding retail opportunities in Morning Sun, the Horizons Steering committee attended the Food Growers, Producers, and Marketers training in Ames, January 30-31. The training emphasized the many business/economic development opportunities available to local growers. The Horizons team learned about the opportunity to become qualified to accept Electronic Benefit Transfers from DHS. The team members have attended a training provided by DHS and that will allow the Famers Market to accept food stamps and WIC certificates. This is a terrific opportunity for Morning Sun to expand their marketing opportunities as well as increase the quality and the nutritional value of food available for lower income citizens.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Kathy Jolly Vance, County Extension Education Director
Louisa County Extension
317 Van Buren
Wapello, IA 52653
Office: 319-523-2371 x202
Cell: 319-750-3544
Fax: 319-523-2375

Contact:
Mary M. Weinand
Henry County Extension
127 Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-385-8126
mweinand@iastate.edu