By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is inviting community members, food system professionals, and local leaders to participate in the Local Food Leader 101 workshop this December. The in-person training event is designed to help individuals develop practical skills and knowledge needed to strengthen local food systems and turn community ideas into meaningful action.
The two-day workshop will take place on December 10 and 11, 2026, at the Economic Development Core Facility in Ames, Iowa.
Registration will remain open through November 25, 2026. The program aims to bring together people from different backgrounds who share an interest in improving local food networks and supporting community-based food initiatives.
Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in hands-on learning activities, group discussions, and collaborative exercises. The sessions will help attendees understand how successful food system projects are developed, who should be involved in the process, and how organizations and groups can work effectively together. Participants will also learn methods for defining goals, measuring success, and creating action plans for future projects.
The curriculum includes six key modules covering food systems terminology, community engagement, dignity and involvement, leadership and facilitation, project evaluation, project planning, and professional development. These topics are designed to provide participants with practical tools that can be used in community programs, food-related initiatives, and local development efforts.
“People bring different experiences to food systems work, but they often share a question: How can we make things happen in our community?” said Krista Smith, certifications coordinator with the ISU Extension and Outreach Food Systems Team. “Local Food Leader 101 gives participants time to learn together, practice useful tools and connect those tools to the work they want to do.”
The workshop is open to both beginners and experienced professionals. No previous food systems training is required. Farmers, food producers, educators, nonprofit leaders, community organizers, extension professionals, public health practitioners, local government staff, and interested residents are all encouraged to participate.
Past participants have highlighted the value of the program in building confidence and fostering collaboration across various sectors of the food system.
“The Local Food Leader course helped give me a shared, common language with others in various food system sectors. It gave me a better understanding of how food systems are interconnected and we can support one another,” said Amy Gamble, past participant and Choose Iowa grants and education specialist. “This course gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles to support Iowa's food network."
Participants who successfully complete the workshop requirements will receive a certificate of completion and an Iowa State University micro-credential represented by a digital badge. The registration fee is $250 and includes lunch. In addition, community organizations, food policy councils, and local coalitions can arrange dedicated Local Food Leader 101 workshops to support their own projects and priorities.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education, General