Free Networking Breakfast for Producers, Food Buyers Nov. 28  in Clear Lake
By IFU

AREA PRODUCERS, FOOD BUYERS INVITED TO FREE LOCAL FOODS LUNCHEON AT THE ART CENTER IN CLEAR LAKE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2007
 
­North Central Iowa producers and food buyers are being invited to a special free networking luncheon on Wednesday, November 28th, in Clear Lake, IA. The meal will be held at the Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 South 4th Street, beginning at noon.
 
The lunch will feature all locally grown foods, including fruits, dairy, meats and soy products. Besides being a treat for the appetite, the event will allow producers to make contacts with representatives of restaurants, schools, hospitals, care centers and other institutions and businesses that would like to purchase their Iowa-grown products.
 
Following the meal, guests will hear comments from representatives from the Iowa Network for Community Agriculture, Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Iowa Farmer Union and Slow Foods. Producers and buyers will introduce themselves and tell a little about what they produce or what they are interested in purchasing. Buyers will be given a directory of area producers for sourcing various products, and all participants will take home a packet of information on local food purchasing.
 
Local food opportunities have been growing in North Iowa in recent years with the growth of the North Iowa Farmers Market in Mason City and other farmers markets in surrounding communities, a Clear Lake Slow Food group, two Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSA) offering memberships, and the beginnings of a food co-op in Algona. New partnerships between area producers and venues such as restaurants, schools, hospitals, care centers and other institutions and businesses could expand the availability of local food in north Iowa communities for its health, social and economic benefits.
 
This is one of four local foods meals being held around the state this fall. The project is funded by a grant from Farm Aid. This meal is co-sponsored by the Buy Fresh, Buy Local Campaign, Iowa State University Extension, and Iowa Network for Community Agriculture and Clear Lake Slow Foods.
 
To make a reservation for this lunch, please call 800-775-5227 by Friday, November 23rd or if you have questions contact Regina Lloyd, Food to Institution Coordinator at 641-757-2116.
 
The Iowa Farmers Union Education Foundation (IFUEF) was formed in 1999 with a 501(c)3 status to help meet increased needs for education among farmers, rural residents, and consumers. Its mission statement is: “To promote a viable system of sustainable agriculture and high quality of life in rural communities through education of farmers, rural residents, and urban consumers; cooperation among farmers; and community activism.”

Iowa Farmers Union
PO Box 8988
528 Billy Sunday Rd
Ames, IA  50014
800-775-5227
iafu@isunet.net
www.iafu.org