Local Food Workshop
When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Where: Cass County Community Center (805 W 10th St, Atlantic, IA 50022)
What: The local food scene is growing in Southwest Iowa, and state laws on local food sales have recently changed. Whether you are interested in selling food you make or grow at a farmers market, through Facebook, or to a local grocery store or restaurant, this afternoon workshop is for you.
Who: Anyone who sells or is interested in selling local foods including produce, meat, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, syrups, salsas, baked goods, prepared food (including food trucks), and more.
Cost: Free!
To register: No registration requied, but RSVPs are appreciated to Golden Hills RC&D Local Foods Coordinator Jamie Fowler at jamie.fowler@goldenhillsrcd.org or (712) 482-3029.
Highlights:
1. Food safety and licensing: Expert Kurt Rueber of the Food Bureau of the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals will be answering questions on new laws related to licensing. Proper licensing to protect you and your consumers might not be as difficult or scary as it sounds. Whether you're doing a home baking business or want to start selling salsa, Kurt will answer your questions.
2. Wholesale: Are you interested in selling your local food items to grocery stores, restaurants, schools, or food hubs (businesses that aggregate, distribute, and market local food)? Brief overviews of these channels and how to work with them will be provided. Atlantic Hy-Vee's Michael Coffman will also join us to discuss his store's interest in local foods.
3. New Local Foods Resource: Jamie Fowler recently joined Golden Hills RC&D as Local Foods Coordinator serving Southwest Iowa. Meet Jamie and learn about the marketing and business assistance she can provide.
4. How to accept those produce checks at farmers markets: Lots of folks in Cass County and surrounding areas qualify for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides farmers market produce vouchers to lower-income seniors and WIC recipients. Learn how simple it is to get certified to accept these payments if you sell produce at a farmers market or food stand so you can be ready to accept them come summer 2023.
Hosts: Cass County Local Food Policy Council, Golden Hills RC&D, Cass County ISU Extension
Details at goldenhillsrcd.org/swiffi
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