Food Systems
Our Food Systems Team supports the development of thriving local food systems statewide, in partnership with county extension staff and many other community collaborators.
Our Clients and Goals
We serve community coalitions, educators, non-profits, county extension staff, and farm and food businesses across Iowa.
We strive to:
- Elevate equity in the food system through practice and dialogue.
- Promote and assist in the viability and visibility of farm and food businesses.
- Support a culture of local food purchasing and access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods through procurement, farming and gardening, and self-sufficient practices.
- Strengthen food systems communities of practice and encourage personal growth and leadership opportunities.
Our Values
Equity by working to maintain a truthful and transparent communication and interpretation with partners and communities about who we are and our work, including acknowledgement of historical systems of oppression in agriculture and education.
Systems Thinking by seeking connection between intersecting food system sectors, community assets and resources to enhance our food system.
Collective Action by centering opportunities for collaborative work in projects and partnerships, with the intention of long-term system change.
Responsive Education by supporting educational opportunities that prioritize culturally relevant, community-owned information, in response to unique contexts and community needs.
Relationship + Networking by building authentic, respectful partnerships for shared understanding and trust.
Programs and Services
Learn more about our service areas and programs.
A multi-phased, multi-year program that partners with communities to develop and design their local and regional food system.
Increases access to locally-grown food and food educations for children and families by building cross-sector partnerships to advance programs and policies in schools, early care settings, and the food system.
Nationally-recognized food systems certifications that teach foundational competencies and skills critical for successful food systems development in communities.
Reports & Publications
Learn more about our work through our team's reports and publications.
Food Systems Framework
The Food System
Food systems are complex, dynamic, and involve numerous interactive sectors across the food supply as well as interactions across and within community assets.
In 2023, we revised this framework based on literature review from indigenous food systems, partner communities and Universities, Local Food Leader and Community Food Systems certified partners, and the 2023 Resilient Community Food Systems: Intersectional analysis across impacts, values, and organizational capacity dissertation from Dr. Long. This led to the newly adopted framework of five food system sectors (interior ring in image to the left) ranging from cultivation and harvesting to conservation and stewardship. Because of the nested aspect of our food systems, despite what scale we may be working in, we recognize that food systems work within larger complex community systems.
Food System Sectors
We recognize five food system sectors ranging from cultivation and harvesting to conservation and stewardship.
Resources
Download our resources below to use as tools for food systems assessments:
Community Food Systems Tactic Checklist (pdf)
Community Food Systems Tactic Checklist (doc)
Food System Assets
We recognize seven food system assets ranging from built infrastructure to natural environment.
Extension Areas
Our team has a unique placement in ISU Extension and Outreach, working in both Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community and Economic Development Extension.
Learn more about how each of these areas are Building a #StrongIowa.
Contact Info
The Food Systems Team is managed by Courtney Long
(515) 461-3227