Supporting Iowa farmers one bite at a time

UNI Dining Services has been recognized by the Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership for their 20-year commitment to supporting local food producers. In 2017 alone, UNI Dining Services purchased more than $886,000 from farms within the state of Iowa; over $106,000 of that amount was purchased within UNI's seven nearest counties.

“UNI Dining Services has been a force in demonstrating that it is possible and practical to buy from local farms and processors,” shared Kamyar Enshayan, director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at UNI. “UNI Dining Services has been doing this important work since 1998, a great inspiration to many other institutions.”

UNI Dining Services is not the only entity on campus focused on local farmers. In addition to being a leader in supporting producers, UNI's Local Food Program helps farmers find local markets and establish connections with others in the farming industry. The program also provides educational resources to assist farmers with marketing to consumers. Their services and projects help strengthen the local food economy in Iowa, contributing to the vitality of our state for years to come.