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, August 19, 2024 at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building in Conference Room 214 B/C, 855 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240. Meetings agendas are posted a week in advance at  http://bit.ly/jocomeeting.

Seeking Submissions from Food Vendors 

The Johnson County Local Food and Farm Team is seeking submissions from self-contained food trucks and self-supported food stands for an upcoming open house event. 

The event will take place on Tuesday, August 6 from 4:00 - 8:00pm at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm (4811 Melrose Avenue in Iowa City). Vendors are expected to serve an approximate guest count of 80 - 150 from 4:15 to 8:00pm. 

Food trucks and stands should send submissions via email to [email protected] with answers to the following questions to be considered:

• Include the name of the business, business email and phone number, and the primary contact's name
• Would you have availability on Tuesday, August 6 between 3:00 and 8:00pm?
• What are your needs from the venue to serve food? Outlets, water-hookups, etc.
• What is your pricing structure? Do you ask for a guaranteed minimum if attendees pay for their own food?
• Do you require a deposit to book your services? If so, how much is it?
• What are the staple menu items that you typically provide at events?

Following the review process, Johnson County's Local Food and Farm Team will select two to three vendors to serve at the event. The review team will not accept any submissions after Friday, July 19 at 11am.

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.