2024 Farm to Summer Campaign
Application open March 8th - April 1st
Applications are now closed. Applicants will receive notice of award on April 8th, 2024.
Iowa Farm to Summer Campaign:
The Iowa Farm to Summer Campaign is a statewide effort to promote summer meal sites by celebrating and serving local food throughout the summer months. Focusing on Iowa-grown, summer-ready veggies, the Iowa Farm to Summer Campaign works to increase youth participation at Iowa summer meal sites and support local farmers with new market opportunities.
2024 Eligibility: Only schools or organizations actively sponsoring Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO) during summer 2024 qualify for this funding opportunity.
Funding Increase! For summer 2024, up to $15,000 in funding, ranging from $750-$1,000 local food procurement grants will be awarded.
Can my organization participate?
Beginning 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.
Participants are required to source local food from area producers. Sites are encouraged to share promotional materials and local food education with youth and partners.
Need support organizing locally?
Sourcing local food takes coordination and support, and we’ve got you covered! Email your questions about local food procurement to IowaF2SEC@gmail.com.
Farm to Summer Campaign Toolkit: Tools and Best Practices for Program Delivery, was created by the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition. Use this resource to review recommendations for finding partners, promoting campaigns, and planning timelines.
How long has this been around?
These links share annual evaluations of the Iowa Farm to Summer campaign since 2018.
Summer 2023: “Root for Radishes!”
Summer 2022: “Lettuce Eat Lettuce!”
Summer 2021: “Kick it With Carrots!”
Summer 2020: “Crunch into Cucumbers!”
Summer 2019: “Snap for Snap Peas!” and Site Visit Recap!
Summer 2018: “Root for Radishes!”
