Fairfield Schools Receive Choose Iowa Grant to Bring More Local Food to Students

Fairfield Community School District has been selected to receive a Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools grant, giving its Food Service team more resources to bring Iowa-grown and Iowa-raised foods to school menus.

Fairfield Food Service received $1,600 in grant funding, which will be matched with $1,600 from the district’s Food Service Fund. Together, the funds will provide $3,200 for local food purchases, supporting Iowa farmers and food businesses while serving students.

The Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools program helps public and private K–12 schools connect with Iowa food producers. The program received $200,000 in statewide funding and requires participating schools to match their grant awards dollar for dollar.

Schools can use the funding to purchase produce, meat and poultry, eggs, honey, flour and small grains, and dairy products other than milk. Purchases must come from farmers and food businesses that are Choose Iowa members, and the food must be used in meals or activities during the school day.

Each participating district also works with a Food Hub Sponsor, which helps schools navigate grant requirements, approve purchases and coordinate payments to producers. Schools may purchase from any eligible Choose Iowa member, giving them flexibility to connect with producers whose offerings fit their menus.

For Fairfield, the funding offers an opportunity to strengthen the connection between Iowa agriculture and school meals. Local purchases can introduce students to more foods produced in their home state while creating additional markets for Iowa farmers and food businesses.

Purchases through this grant cycle can take place through June 30, 2027.

Read FCSD’s announcement or visit the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools program page for additional information.