Finding food in farm country

As I’ve learned how to grow the most local of food, I’ve become even more interested in eating locally than ever before. In Iowa, it’s not hard to eat well off locally sourced goods, although it is a little more of a challenge in the winter than the summer.

If you’re looking for more information about eating locally in Iowa, a series of events this week will provide an opportunity to look at how local food can serve as an engine for economic development in Eastern Iowa.

The events will feature Ken Meter, who is an agricultural economist and community development expert. If you’re so inclined, you can even join him for dinner (although I don’t believe he’s picking up the check!) on February 7 in Iowa City.

I’m not going to be able to make it–Steve and I have tickets to another event that night–but if you attend, please stop by and leave a review/report in the comments – I’d love to hear how it goes!

Events will be held in Grinnell and Cedar Rapids on February 6, Iowa City on February 7, Fairfield and Mount Pleasant on February 8, and Maquoketa on February 9. Click here for a PDF with full details, or visit the Local Foods Connection Blog for an HTML version.

The event is sponsored by Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development in collaboration with a number of local organizations. Thanks to Kelli of Sugar Creek Farm (who is also a terrific source of local meat, if you’re in the market for that…) for tipping me off to it!