About

ABOUT

Flavors of Northwest Iowa is a regional network for local food producers and consumers. We provide:

Producer education
Consumer information
Support for healthy food partnerships

map of Iowa's regional food system working groups

Flavors of Northwest Iowa is part of the Regional Food Systems Working Group (RFSWG). RFSWG maximizes the potential for community-based, economically sustainable, and environmentally and socially responsible food enterprises by supporting education, conducting research, and facilitating partnerships.

WHAT WE DO

We focus local and regional food system development efforts in six areas:

Producer Tools and Cooperation
Offering workshops for growers to increase their education and opportunities.
Farmers Markets
Providing public information about times, dates, and locations of farmers market in the region and assisting communities in further developing their farmers market.
Availability and Access
Working to bring the latest information about season extension and production practices to Northwest Iowa, and assuring smooth channels of access to fresh, locally grown food for all people.
Scaled-Up Markets
We explore interest from buyers (restaurants, schools, institutions) for purchasing locally grown food and work to connect producers with buyers. We also provide workshop and networking opportunities for those interested in aggregation, distribution, and proccessing.
Consumer Information and Education
See our Local Food & Flavor Guide for our annual local food directory including fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, eggs, flowers, herbs, and other retail agriculture products sold directly to consumers. The guide also includes restaurants serving locally grown food on their menus, participating local businesses, and partner organizations.
Small Farm Business Viability
Supporting the viability of existing and beginning farmers and local food entrepreneurs that market products in the local food system.