Statewide, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Education is getting a federal grant to put more local food in schools and early child care centers. It’s the second time the department has received the two year grant for the Iowa Farm to School program. The Iowa Department of Agriculture contributes matching funds. Brenda Windmuller, at the education department, says they’ll host more training for school workers on food safety and how local food can be incorporated into school lunches.
The USDA awarded the state a $67,000 grant to support Farm to School, while the state agriculture department will also contribute $25,000. Windmuller says there are no requirements for schools to participate in the program, but she says the funding will allow more education for school staff who are interested.
Additionally, the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa received close to $100,000 from the USDA to expand the school garden and increase food storage for students on the Meskwaki Settlement. They’ll also bring more tribal foods into schools and develop a tribal food sovereignty curriculum.
