What is the Snap for Snap Peas Campaign? 

“Snap for Snap Peas!” is a statewide effort to promote summer meal sites by celebrating local SNAP PEAS as the sweetest vegetable of the summer. And we bet kids will think so, too! With a collective focus on this familiar, readily-available veggie, we hope to increase participation of children at Iowa summer meal sites and support local producers.

Can I participate in the Snap for Snap Peas Campaign?

New for summer 2024, only schools or organizations actively sponsoring Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO) during summer 2024 qualify for this funding opportunity. Award is contingent on approval of a Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option application in IowaCNP for program year 2023-24.

Participants are required to source local snap peas (and/or other local produce) from area producers. In addition, participants are encouraged to share promotional materials and learning opportunities with local kids, families, and partners to help spread the word. Here are a few ways you can Snap for Snap Peas:

• Grow snap peas in your school garden and harvest them in June with students

• Invite a farmer to visit your Summer Meal Site and sample their farm-grown snap peas

• Lead an outdoor cooking demo, preparing a simple snap pea snack

What support will I be offered to host a Snap for Snap Peas Campaign?

Sourcing local food at a summer meal site takes coordination and support, and we’ve got you covered! For funding and promotional materials to make your farm to summer plans come to life, please complete this application. We are offering:

• Up to $15,000 in funding, ranging from $750-$1,000 local food procurement grants.

• Promotional materials: banners, posters, campaign-themed snap pea seed packets.

• Funds MUST be spent on local snap peas (and/or other local produce); sites will sign an agreement to purchase local food and are required to submit proof of purchase via hard copy or electronic receipt by July 1, 2024. 

Want to Snap for Snap Peas?

Email Chelsea Krist with the ISU Extension and Outreach — Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program, at cekrist@iastate.edu with questions.