Bill > HR116

This Resolution strongly encourages state and local government entities in Iowa, including universities, community colleges, public schools, and various state departments, to increase their direct purchases of nutritious and healthy food from local and regional producers, potentially utilizing food hubs supported by Iowa's Local Food and Farm Program. It also urges these entities to set procurement goals for local food and actively participate in regional food system working groups, with a recommendation for cooperative purchasing programs to require vendors to source a specific percentage of food from local and regional sources to be considered qualified bidders. Furthermore, the Resolution acknowledges the efforts of the United States Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in supporting the development of local and regional food systems through initiatives like "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food," the Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentive Grant Program, and the Farm to School Grant Program.