Policy Education
Educating decision-makers and policy-writers about the incredible support for Iowa Farm to School and Early Care is a top priority and responsibility of this Coalition and Network. The following organizations are leading advocacy and awareness initiatives at the state level and host networks and platforms that offer direct updates and opportunities to become involved.
Iowa Healthy School Meals for all Coalition
The Iowa Healthy School Meals for All Coalition’s main goal is to support every Iowa student by giving them the opportunity to eat meals at school - with no financial barrier. All are welcome to engage in this discussion and efforts. The Coalition meets the second Wednesday of each month from 9 - 10:30 AM. Reach out to Meg Brink (contact below) for more information or to join the Coalition meetings. A flier about the Coalition is linked here, and a PowerPoint with additional information is linked here.
National Website: https://frac.org/healthy-school-meals-for-all
Contact: megan@aeapurchasing.org, 712-899-2373
Iowa Hunger Coalition
The Iowa Hunger Coalition is an association of organizations and individuals committed to ending hunger in Iowa. Members are food pantries, food rescue organizations, community partnerships, and individuals committed to ending hunger in Iowa. They use the collective voices of members to educate and advocate for policies that would eliminate food insecurity and build equitable food systems in our state.
https://www.iowahungercoalition.org/school-nutrition-dashboard/
Website: https://www.iowahungercoalition.org/about/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.iowahungercoalition.org/
National Farm to School Network
National Farm to School Network has a vision of a strong and just food system for all, and seeks deep transformation toward this vision through farm to school – the ways kids eat, grow, and learn about food in schools and early care and education settings. NFSN promotes farm to school and farm to ECE policies that advance their Call to Action: that 100% of communities will hold power in a racially just food system. They provide policy analysis, education, and advocacy opportunities to ensure that public policies position farm to school as a win for kids, for farmers, and for communities.
https://www.farmtoschool.org/state-policy-map
Website: https://www.farmtoschool.org/policy/advocacy
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.farmtoschool.org/join