AMES, Iowa — The next virtual Local Food Leader Certification will be held this spring, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The certification is intended for beginning local food practitioners, although it is open for anyone who is interested in food systems development and collaboration. The program teaches several foundational competencies critical to successful involvement in community food systems development through virtual workshops and online modules.
The workshop includes topic areas of equity in food systems, food systems frameworks and common language, working in food systems, facilitation and coordination, evaluation and professional development. The online modules offer intensive curriculum including leadership in food systems, methods of engagement, creating teams and tools for success, and evaluation.
There are two options for engagement in the Virtual Local Food Leader certification:
- LFL 101: Seven virtual workshop sessions over the course of four months. Cost is $100. Register at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16276.
- LFL 201: Seven virtual workshop sessions (same as LFL 101) over the course of four months + access to four online modules. Cost is $375. Register at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15887.
The spring 2023 cohort begins on March 23 and runs through July 20. A limited number of scholarships are available. Those who successfully finish the course will receive a certificate of completion and will have an opportunity to become a trainer and deliver the curriculum in their own communities.
“The information and assignments were extremely relevant and helpful in any form of work related to the food system,” according to a recent past participant. “I was able to not only expand my knowledge on better equipping myself in being a leader in this line of work but also getting different perspectives and understandings from various backgrounds in the virtual workshops with people from different parts of the county.”
- Limited scholarships are available. Fill out a scholarship form at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/wp-content/uploads/LFL-Scholarship-Application_2022.pdf.
- See more information about the course syllabus and course schedule at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/virtual-trainings-certifications/.
Note: Those who have completed this certification are qualified to register for a one-day Local Food Leader Train-the-Trainer workshop.
Shareable photo: Local Food Leader graphic.
