Iowa Schools Eligible for $1,000 Local Food Match Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has introduced the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools, aimed at connecting schools with local farmers and businesses to promote the purchase of locally sourced foods. The pilot program, authorized during the 2024 legislative session, has a budget of $70,000, with each school eligible for up to $1,000 in funding, contingent on a dollar-for-dollar financial match. Eligible products include meat, poultry, dairy (excluding milk), eggs, honey, and produce, sourced from members of the Choose Iowa initiative. Naig emphasized that the program benefits students by providing fresh, local food while also supporting small farmers and generating economic activity in rural communities. Schools are encouraged to apply and can also suggest local farmers to join the Choose Iowa program to become eligible for funding. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance local food systems and promote Iowa-grown products.