Farmers market-style festival connects local businesses, organizations and producers with Iowa community through local foods
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development and the ISU Office of Sustainability Live Green! Initiative invite local farm and food businesses and community and student organizations to participate in the ISU Local Food Festival on Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,on Iowa State’s Central Campus.
Since its launch in 2015, the Local Food Festival has provided a space for local businesses, producers, organizations and ISU partners to engage with students, faculty, staff and community members. The festival features educational displays, sustainability-focused activities, local vendors and opportunities to sample and purchase locally grown and produced foods.
The event serves as a unique platform for vendors and organizations to share their products and initiatives while building connections with the ISU community and raising awareness around local food systems, health and wellness and sustainability.
“The Local Food Festival creates a low-barrier opportunity for local farm and food businesses and community organizations to connect with the community at ISU while also celebrating our community and our work around local foods and sustainability,” said Megan Kemp, education extension specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development.
Vendor opportunities
Vendor opportunities are available to local farm and food businesses, community organizations, ISU departments and affiliated organizations and student organizations. There is no fee to participate as a vendor. Participating vendors receive a tented booth space, table, chairs and access to electricity upon request.
Vendors and organizations can also participate in the Local Food Pass Program, a partnership between the Local Food Festival and ISU Student Wellness that promotes food security, nutrition education and student engagement with local food systems.
Interested vendors and organizations can register for an informational meeting to learn more about the Produce Pass Program and participation expectations.
Sponsor opportunities
Engaging as a sponsor helps support the event’s commitment to remaining free for both vendors and attendees. Sponsorship opportunities can range from $50 to $500 and beyond. Sponsors contributing $250 or more are encouraged to sign up by Sept. 4 to be included on the festival giveaway bag.
“Community support plays an important role in making this event possible,” Kemp said. “Sponsors help create opportunities for students and community members to learn about local food systems, discover local businesses and organizations and engage in conversations about healthy living and sustainability.”
The ISU Local Food Festival is free and open to the public. Interested vendors and sponsors can sign up through Sept. 30.
For more information or to sign up as a vendor or sponsor, visit ISU Local Food Festival or contact Megan Kemp at [email protected].
PHOTO: Farmer at market hands purchase to customer over colorful blend of organic produce (Photo: iStock │ #1479535214 – Donte Tatum)
