Southeast Iowa (RevataConsulting) — In 2023, a dedicated coalition of farmers, consumers, and regional food producers convened to address the pressing challenges facing the 10-county-wide food system in Southeast Iowa. (Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Wapello, Davis, and Washington county.)
The group discovered that more than 95% of the food produced in Southeast Iowa is consumed outside the region, traveling an average of
2,000 miles before reaching its destination. This means that profits and products generated locally are benefiting other areas. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward creating solutions.
The mission is to boost awareness and demand for locally grown and raised foods. To this end, the Southeast Iowa Regional Food Web has been formed, and community support is needed.
Revata, in partnership with three local non-profits—The Belle Center, Eat Greater Des Moines, and NewBoCo—has embarked on a comprehensive needs assessment for the regional food system. Revata is a professional services firm specializing in market research, data analytics, and grant writing. For this initiative to succeed, it is essential to engage with as many stakeholders in the food system as possible, including farmers, processors, distributors, warehouses, and consumers such as schools, prisons, and restaurants.
The first phase of the needs assessment involves distributing a short survey to these food system participants. The target is to gather responses from 3,000-5,000 participants. Given the region’s low population and rural nature, this is a significant challenge. Organizations and individuals are invited to participate and provide data that could aid in these efforts, collaborating to enhance the community for everyone in Southeast Iowa.
Respondents should visit: http://www.seiafoodweb.org/
