Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has launched the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools. The pilot program aims to connect Iowa schools with Choose Iowa members to encourage school food service programs to buy more ingredients and serve more products sourced from local farmers and small businesses.
The school pilot program was authorized during the 2024 legislative session and is an initiative of Choose Iowa, the state’s branding and marketing program that identifies and promotes Iowa grown, raised and made food, beverages and ag products.
Eligible products include meat and poultry, dairy products (other than milk), eggs, honey, and produce. To be eligible for funding, schools must purchase food from a Choose Iowa member at https://www.chooseiowa.com/find-local.
