By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University will host its annual ISU Local Food Festival on September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Central Campus between Curtiss Hall and Beardshear Hall.
The event, organized by the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development unit, ISU Live Green! initiative, Horticulture Research Station, and ISU Dining, among other departments and organizations, offers a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to explore local food, sustainability, and community engagement.
The festival, first organized in 2015, has become a popular event that brings together local farm and food businesses, community organizations, ISU departments, and student groups.
It serves as a platform for the ISU community to connect directly with local producers, learn about local food systems, and engage in discussions about health, wellness, and sustainable living.
Megan Kemp, an education extension specialist for Farm, Food and Enterprise Development, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "The Local Food Festival is a really special event that helps folks on campus connect with local businesses and organizations and learn about the many different ways we can all support a more sustainable community, all while sampling and purchasing locally grown and produced foods."
The festival is free and open to the public, with a wide array of booths lining the sidewalks between Beardshear Hall and Curtiss Hall.
Visitors will have the chance to sample local foods, purchase products, and gather information from a variety of vendors. The festival also offers opportunities for attendees to participate in giveaways and learn about the initiatives of different organizations and departments.
For those interested in participating as vendors or sponsors, the festival provides a valuable opportunity to promote businesses and organizations.
Sponsorships help ensure that the Local Food Festival remains an accessible and vibrant event for everyone involved. To reserve a booth or become a sponsor, interested parties should fill out the vendor and sponsor form by September 8.
The ISU Local Food Festival is more than just a celebration of local food—it's a chance to strengthen community ties and promote sustainable practices that benefit both the university and the surrounding area.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education