AMES, Iowa — The 2021 Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Conference will be held entirely online on Friday, June 11. Hosted by the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Network, the conference will bring together farm to school and farm to early care stakeholders from across the state. Participants will share ideas, resources and successes to grow the farm to school and early care movement in Iowa.
Conference workshops, keynotes and a virtual field trip will be offered. The goal of the conference is to support and inspire those interested in starting or already leading farm to school and farm to early care programs across the state.
Topics covered include:
- Advocacy to support farm to school and early care programs.
- Culturally relevant school gardens.
- Growing the farm to school movement.
- Local procurement and food hubs.
The conference welcomes participation from food service professionals, school administrations, early childhood professionals, farmers, wellness and public health professionals, student leaders, community organizers, policy makers, family advocates and others who support Iowa’s farm to school and early care efforts.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the annual Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Conference again for a consecutive fourth year,” said Chelsea Krist, Farm to School program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We’re leaning into the creative opportunities that come with planning a virtual conference. Alongside some really fun and informative sessions, the conference will offer brain breaks and “Quick Bite” sessions for attendees.”
Learn more about the conference, explore the agenda and register now. Registration closes June 10. For more information, contact Krista Smith, Farm to Early Care and Education Coordinator with the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, at krista@iowaaeyc.org.
— Chelsea Krist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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