Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Next Food Policy Council Meeting

The Johnson County Food Policy Council usually meets on the third Mondays of the month from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The next meeting is Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Johnson County Administration Building in the 1st Floor Betty Sass Conference Room, 913 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240. Meetings agendas are posted a week in advance at  http://bit.ly/jocomeeting.

Community Food and Farm Grant Business Workshops and Application Clinics

Come to a clinic to learn more about the grant, ask questions, and receive help. Additional information is available on the grant website.

Community Food and Farm Grant: Business Plan and Budgeting Workshops

• Hosted by Emprendimiento Latino 5M and South of 6 Business District
• Friday, September 29 | Dream City, 611 Southgate Ave., Iowa City.
  • English Workshop: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Spanish Workshop: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Community Food and Farm Grant: Application Clinics

• Monday, October 2, 5:00-6:30 p.m | Hosted virtually via Zoom. Must register online in advance at this link. Arabic, French, and Spanish interpretation will be available
• Thursday, October 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Center for Worker Justice, 1556 S 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240. Arabic, French, and Spanish interpretation will be available.
• Wednesday, October 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City, IA 52240. In partnership with the Multicultural Development Center of Iowa. 

Johnson County's Local Food System 

Johnson County is a unique region in Iowa where the rural landscape meets our urban centers in many dynamic ways. We are a brilliant mix of talent, experience, and culture. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors and staff are committed to building a thriving local food system -- where the environment flourishes, businesses succeed, and everyone has access to diverse and culturally relevant food.

What is the food system?

The food system is defined as the chain of activities connecting food production, processing, distribution, marketing, transportation, access, consumption and waste management.

Local foods in Johnson County

In the fall of 2015, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors created a new position - the Local Foods and Planning Specialist - as part of the Planning, Development and Sustainability department. In 2018, the Local Foods Coordinator position was moved to the Board of Supervisors Office. The Local Foods Coordinator works closely with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, county planners and community partners to increase local food production and access in Johnson County.

By creating this position, Johnson County is acknowledging the importance local foods have in our county, and that by developing a community-based food system, we are supporting all sectors of our environment - from public health to conservation..

Why local foods and the County?

The food system has significant, daily impacts on the residents of Johnson County in terms of the environment, the local economy, employment, the transportation system, public health and waste. Everyone eats, therefore everyone is engaged in the food system.

In Johnson County, we see the need to build the community resources of our food system - and we are working to create a robust system that promotes worker's rights and builds resilience in the natural environment. The advancement of our local food system will enhance rural and urban economic development, increase access to nutritious food and build equity in our community.