The 11th annual Johnson County Food Policy Council public forum will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Dream City, 611 Southgate Ave, Iowa City.

This year’s forum, “Our Food, Our Future: Community Voices on the Food System,” will spotlight the experiences and ideas of residents who shape Johnson County’s food landscape. The forum will open with reflections from local nonprofits working on the frontlines of food access, farm viability, and community well-being. The panel will discuss how recent shifts in the food system are affecting neighbors, businesses, and organizations across Johnson County. 

Following the panel, the forum will move into interactive breakout discussions to identify emerging community needs and opportunities for collaboration. Forum participants will help shape the next Food Policy Council Strategic Plan by weighing in on where the community should focus its efforts in the coming years.  The goal of the forum is to inform and refine a Strategic Plan that reflects current community needs, priorities, and assets.

The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. Registration information and additional details are available on the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/share/17idFWAfU9/?mibextid=wwXIfr and Johnson County’s website at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/localfoods.

The Johnson County Food Policy Council was created in 2012 by the Board of Supervisors to provide guidance on food and agriculture issues. The council is charged with providing annual recommendations on how to improve our local food system, holding public forums to obtain feedback on food system issues, and educating County residents on the value of supporting a strong community-based food system.