Local Food System Development

Pathfinders has been instrumental in helping build the local food system in its service area since 2005.

Pathfinders helped the development of Hometown Harvest of SE Iowa local food initiative.

Through support from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Hometown Harvest has developed a network of local food producers and local food champions to complete capacity building activities in the region. Activities include training and workshops for producers and investigating the feasibility of forming a producer coop and food processing facilities.

Pathfinders also helps manage the local Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) chapter. BFBL is designed to expand the market for locally produced goods by assisting producers with expanding their market and educating consumers about the benefits of buying locally. Pathfinders provides organizational and office assistance to the program including management of campaign members, publicity, special events and development of their Local Food Guide.

Two years ago, Pathfinders received a grant from the Wellmark Foundation to start six Farm to School programs in the region.

Jan Swinton serves at Pathfinders fulltime local food coordinator on staff to oversee all project activities.