FAIRFIELD — The Southeast Iowa Food Web is excited to announce Ignite 2.0, a pivotal gathering aimed at advancing the region’s food system initiatives. This event will take place on September 18, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the ISU Extension Office, Cambridge Room,
Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Registration is free, and all stakeholders in the regional food system are encouraged to attend.
Last May, the Southeast Iowa Food Web was launched with the inaugural Ignite event, featuring Tera Johnson, founder of the Food Finance Institute at the University of Wisconsin. The day was dedicated to visioning and planning, resulting in the establishment of three primary goals:
- Conducting a 9-County Technical Assistance and Mentorship Needs Assessment
- Defining the Regional Identity and Brand
- Advancing the development of a Regional Processing Facility
“We have made significant progress on these goals,” said Bob Ferguson, Coordinator of the Southeast Iowa Food Web. “Ignite 2.0 will provide an opportunity to report on our achievements and set new objectives for the coming year.”
Event Highlights:
Morning Session:
- Welcome and context setting by Tera Johnson, facilitator
- Participant self-introductions
- Briefing on the SEI Food Web Needs Assessment by Revata Consulting
- Briefing on the ‘Setting the Table for All Iowans’ food system plan by the Iowa Food
System Coalition - Introduction to the Hy-Vee Homegrown Program
- Initial breakout sessions
Working Lunch
Afternoon Session: - Additional breakout sessions to refine and choose three next-step priorities
- Reporting on priorities
- Wrap-up and next steps
“Ignite 2.0 promises to be more than just a meeting—it’s a call to action,” Ferguson added. “Recent developments have opened up possibilities for much greater progress than we initially envisioned, and we are eager to explore these opportunities with our community.”
The Southeast Iowa Food Web invites farmers, producers, large-scale consumers, and anyone invested in the region’s food system to participate in this crucial event. Together, we can strengthen the food web, support local economies, and foster sustainable practices across Southeast Iowa.
