By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development, along with the ISU Office of Sustainability Live Green! Initiative, are preparing to host the annual ISU Local Food Festival. The event will take place on October 14 on Iowa State University's Central Campus and aims to strengthen connections between local food producers, businesses, organizations, students, and community members.
Since its launch in 2015, the festival has served as an important platform for promoting local foods, sustainability, and community involvement. The event features educational exhibits, sustainability-focused activities, local vendors, and opportunities for visitors to sample and purchase locally grown and produced foods.
The festival provides a welcoming environment where local businesses, producers, and organizations can showcase their products, services, and initiatives. At the same time, attendees can learn more about local food systems, healthy living practices, and environmental sustainability.
Megan Kemp, Education Extension Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development, highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “The Local Food Festival creates a low-barrier opportunity for local farm and food businesses and community organizations to connect with the community at ISU while also celebrating our community and our work around local foods and sustainability.”
A variety of vendor opportunities are available for local farm and food businesses, community organizations, Iowa State University departments, affiliated groups, and student organizations. Participation is free, helping encourage broad involvement from across the community. Vendors receive a tented booth space, tables, chairs, and access to electricity if needed.
Participants can also join the Local Food Pass Program, a collaborative initiative between the Local Food Festival and ISU Student Wellness. The program supports food security, nutrition education, and student engagement with local food systems while encouraging healthier food choices.
The festival also welcomes sponsors who wish to support the event and help keep participation free for both vendors and visitors. Sponsorship opportunities are available at different contribution levels, allowing businesses and organizations to support community education and local food awareness.
Emphasizing the value of community involvement, Kemp said, “Community support plays an important role in making this event possible. Sponsors help create opportunities for students and community members to learn about local food systems, discover local businesses and organizations and engage in conversations about healthy living and sustainability.”
The ISU Local Food Festival is free and open to the public. Interested vendors and sponsors can register through September 30. By bringing together local producers, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, the festival continues to promote awareness of local food systems, encourage sustainable practices, and strengthen community connections across Iowa.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle