Food & Fitness Initiative Highlights: Northeast Iowa
This geographically vast five-county region is located in our nation's agricultural heartland. The thousands of farming families who reside in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek counties contribute significantly to the nation's agricultural industry. Yet, operations are challenged by the ever-changing political and economic climate for farming that is influenced by a range of issues—from increased agricultural industrialization to the flight of community youth to larger, urban cities. While most family farms have adapted to feed a widespread national food system, many of the towns throughout this hilly corner of Northern Iowa have fewer than 300 residents and struggle with rural isolation.
The Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative focuses on increasing the affordability and convenience of locally grown healthy food, while promoting opportunities for physical activity that fit rural lifestyles and livelihoods. However, riding a bike or walking is difficult due to the expansive geography and lack of supportive infrastructure. Farmers are less likely to participate in fitness and exercise after spending a day performing physical labor.
Despite these challenges, Northeast Iowans are working to initiate change in their communities. From increased funding of indoor recreation facilities to "local food" identification tags and a Luther College initiative to get fresh, local foods into school cafeterias, the collaborative is committed to sustaining the health of the land and community members, while increasing the economic viability of their agricultural communities.
For more information about Northeast Iowa, The Food & Fitness Initiative, country and regional planning teams, events and resources, newsletters, and much more, visit Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative Web site.
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