Our Strategy Teams’ Work
Coalition Co-Chairs:
Representatives serve as rotating coalition co-chairs, coordinating general support, meeting facilitation, and evaluation of the coalition activities and projects.
Chelsea Krist, Program Coordinator, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Farm Food and Enterprise Development
Krista Smith, Program Coordinator, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Farm Food and Enterprise Development
Coalition Strategy Teams:
Three strategy teams, composed of coalition members and coordinated by representatives from several state agencies and organizations, bring the coalition’s goals to life by providing focused space for work on key issues and projects. Strategy teams meet virtually every month; times are determined by coordinators and coalition members.
State Network Development Team
Goals: Seeks to support and strengthen our statewide network to increase communication and collaboration
Initiatives: Coordinating statewide events and network communications
Coordinator: Krista Smith, ISUEO FFED and Erin Olson, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Local Procurement Team
Goals: Seeks to increase local food purchasing in schools and early care sites
Initiatives: Iowa Local Food Day, Great Apple Crunch, FFA Farm to School Grants, Choose Iowa Campaign, Local Food Coaching for schools and ECEs, Local procurement trainings and technical assistance
Coordinators: Teresa Wiemerslage, ISUEO FFED and Tammy Stotts, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Food Education Team
Goals: Seeks to incorporate culturally responsive food education into existing policy, environments, and curriculum
Initiatives: Defining and recommending culturally responsive food education, resources and curriculum. Informing and promoting local and statewide training and networking, including Virtual Gardening with Kids meet-ups in winter and spring of 2022!
Coordinators: Suzy Wilson, Iowa Department of Public Health, SNAP-Ed and Sara Lockie, Next Step Adventure