Since 1999, Eastern Iowa consumers looking for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry can use a directory Hunt compiled. Beginning in July 1999, Hunt began serving as the local food systems coordinator for the Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District. The district is in its second year of administering a grant to develop local food systems. That grant came from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. The local foods effort is sponsored by the conservation district, Iowa State University Extension Service in Johnson County.
Hunt answers quickly.
It's a way of keeping money in Iowa's economy. It's a way to give farmers an opportunity to earn additional income. And I think that when consumers buy food directly from the producer, it can strengthen the consumer's connection with the food, with the land it was grown on and with the people who raised it. On Oct. 12, the district sponsored the All-Iowa Harvest Party, a dinner in which chefs from 10 Iowa City restaurants prepared and served appetizer, entrees and desserts made from locally grown and raised meat, fruits, vegetables and herbs. About 130 people attended the dinner designed to bring food producers, buyers and preparers, educators and the media together.