Local producers are invited to participate in the Iowa State University Local Food Festival Sept. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The festival, which aims to highlight the importance of locally sourced, sustainable food, will take place on central campus, providing local producers a unique opportunity to connect with students and staff. The event includes educational displays and community resources such as food banks, as well as the opportunity for students and staff to purchase from local vendors.
According to Megan Kemp, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach education specialist, producers can expect to reach a large audience of students who may not normally have access to locally sourced food.
"It's a little different than a farmer's market," explained Kemp. "It's a great way of reaching folks who live on campus or are busy on weekends. Vendors can expect lots of people to be walking through, especially between classes."
The festival centers around building community by connecting students and staff with local producers and shortening the supply chain.
As Kemp explains, a wide variety of organizations are encouraged to participate in the festival.
"We want to encourage an adventure in food and community, so we like to keep it broad. In the past, we've had everything from local meat processors to local veggie growers. We have many repeat vendors, but we are always looking to highlight new businesses."
Vendors are invited to register through Sept. 16. For more information about registering, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/isu-local-food-festival/.
Megan Kemp can be reached at 515-294-0648 or mkemp@iastate.edu.
Categories: Iowa, Business