Join us for this first-ever collaborative conference hosted by the Community Food Systems program and Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition. This three-day conference will be held June 15-17, 2023 in Waukee, Iowa with optional activities to attend in the Des Moines Area.
The goal of the conference is to engage, support, and inspire individuals, organizations, and businesses in all areas of the food system. The conference theme is Growing a Culture of Celebration and will celebrate all things related to food, learning, and collaboration.
Early Bird Registration
Individuals can register to attend the conference at a reduced rate through our early bird registration through April 30 at bit.ly/cfs-f2ec-register. See below for details on conference agenda.
Conference Agenda
Thursday, June 15 | Community Food Systems
Waukee High School, Waukee, Iowa
The conference will kick off celebrating Community Food Systems. Hear from local and regional food systems practitioners through plenaries, breakout sessions, and gallery-style bite-sized sessions. Various networking opportunities will be available to further connect with attendees, sponsors, vendors, and presenters. Breakfast and lunch will be provided with refreshments throughout the day.
Friday, June 16 | Farm Tours, Fields Trips, and Local Foods Reception
Greater Des Moines Metro Area
Join us for a day of celebrating local food and where it comes from. The day will consist of tours of local farms and local food businesses in the Greater Des Moines Area. Transportation will be provided from Waukee High School to and from field trip locations. We will end the day at Grade A Gardens, an organic fruit and vegetable farm in Earlham, Iowa. Tour the farm and connect over local food and drink at an evening reception. Dinner will be provided by a local business. Hear from local food champion Jan Libbey, Iowa Food System Coalition Coordinator, and her updates on the Iowa Local Food Plan.
If you’re not able to attend the full field trip day, please consider registering for the Local Foods Reception only, which will begin at Grade A Gardens at 4 pm.
Saturday, June 17 | Farm to School and Early Care
Waukee High School, Waukee, Iowa
The final day of the conference will continue the celebration by focusing on Farm to School and Early Care. Connect with local partners through plenaries, breakouts, and bite-sized sessions, and engage with conference attendees through interactive, networking opportunities. Breakfast and lunch will be provided with additional refreshments throughout the day.