Local Food Incentive Programs Necessary and Highly Effective for Iowa Farm to School and Early Care

Farm to School in Iowa was first legislated in 2007, when lawmakers established a program to one, link elementary, secondary, public and non-public schools with Iowa farmers; two, provide schools with fresh and minimally processed Iowa-grown food for inclusion in school meals and snacks; and three, encourage children to develop healthy eating habits and provide them with hands on learning activities. Realizing the need for the early childcare sector to receive the same support for and benefits of locally sourced food, food education, and site gardening, the Iowa Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition was established in 2016.