Community Food Systems and Farm to School Conference Coming to Iowa

The Community Food Systems Program and the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development are organizing the Community Food Systems and Farm to School and Early Care Conference, scheduled to be held from June 15 to June 17 in Waukee, Iowa.

Lacy Stephens, an agricultural marketing specialist with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is one of the keynote speakers at the conference. On Thursday, June 15, Stephens will present a talk titled "USDA Investments and Opportunities in Local and Regional Food Systems." Additionally, on Saturday, June 17, she will discuss the role of farm to school and farm to institution in food systems development.

The conference will feature 23 breakout sessions led by practitioners from various sectors of the food system. These sessions will cover a broad range of topics, including community partnerships, food access and rescue, teaching and education, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about data utilization in food systems research, implementing farm to school programs, and other pertinent subjects.

Friday, June 16, will be dedicated to promoting local farm and food businesses and organizations. Participants can take part in site visits, farm tours, and enjoy locally sourced foods from the Des Moines area. Registration options include attending the full day or solely participating in the Local Foods Reception, which commences at 5 p.m.

The conference is open to the public, and registration remains open until June 1. Attendees can choose to register for the full three-day conference or select specific days according to their preferences. Organizations and businesses interested in showcasing their work can take advantage of vendor and sponsor opportunities, which provide exhibition space and promotional benefits throughout the event. Vendor and sponsor registrations can be completed via the conference registration page.

For more detailed information on the conference agenda, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, site visits, and networking opportunities, please visit the official conference website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/cfs-annual-event/

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