AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community Food Systems program will hold the fourth annual Community Food Systems Event Jan. 12, 2018, at the Iowa State University Alumni Center, Ames. The daylong event will highlight best practices across all areas of community food systems from around the region.
The Community Food Systems program and partner community coalitions will be highlighted throughout the day. A successful community coalition process in Dubuque over the past two years will be featured.
“Through quarterly meetings and identification of our mission, vision and values, we have decided to change our coalition model to include a core team to show shared-leadership in the development of agendas, implementation and meeting responsibilities,” said Danielle Day, Dubuque County Extension program director. “This shift will help bring out diverse needs and opportunities from our coalition and a range of ideas that will contribute to our area food systems, as well as show shared interests working towards common goals from multiple stakeholders.”
Nine breakout sessions covering food system topics that include edible landscapes, awareness campaigns, food hubs and shared use kitchens are on the afternoon agenda.
In one session, Tracy Keninger, Cindy Richardson and Robbie-Morris Riley will discuss different opportunities for people with disabilities. They will discuss programs offered by their organizations – Easter Seals of Iowa, One Vision and The Homestead.
“This is an exciting opportunity to discuss the multiple opportunities that are offered for all individuals to get involved in food production and value-added work. There are many ways that we can be intentional about collaborating with all persons interested in getting involved,” Keninger said.
The Jan. 12 event is open to all individuals, organizations and businesses interested in contributing and participating in their community food systems. Activities will feature local food system partners and promote collaboration, sharing and networking for creative and collaborative projects.
Online registration for the annual event is now open. The registration fee is $25 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own beverage containers in an attempt to conserve resources. Registrations should be made by Jan. 10 to provide accurate meal count.
The Community Food Systems program has been developed in partnership with the Iowa State University Community Design Lab and is based on community engagement practices of public interest design, strategic doing and collective impact. It is a multi-phased, multi-year program within the ISU Extension and Outreach local foods and community economic development programs.
Direct questions regarding travel scholarships, presentations or poster sessions to Courtney Long at court7@iastate.edu.