Vision, Mission and Goals of the Iowa Food Systems Council
Vision Statement
Iowa has a just and diverse food system which supports healthier people, communities, economies and the environment.
Mission Statement
To recommend policy, research and program options for an Iowa food system which supports healthier Iowans, communities, economies and the environment.
Goal Statements
The goals of the IFSC are based on core functions (assessment, policy and communication) and key domains (nutrition and health, environment, economic and fair food and farming).
Analysis & Evaluation
Goal 1 - Data Collection
Collect and objectively analyze data on a regular basis regarding Iowa’s food and farming systems to create informed Policy, research and program recommendations.
Goal 2 - Policy Impacts
Monitor and analyze the health, social, economic and environmental impacts of proposed and existing food and farming policies on Iowa farmers, businesses, communities and citizens.
Policy
Goal 3 - Nutrition & Health - Optimize Health
Develop and recommend policy, research and program options which support systems that produce safe and nutritious food for healthier Iowans.
Goal 4 - Nutrition & Health - Food Access
Develop and recommend policy, research and program options which strengthen food access and self-reliance among all citizens and communities in Iowa.
Goal 5 - Environment - Natural Resources & Land Use
Develop and recommend food and farming policy, research and program options which improve, protect and conserve Iowa’s natural resources and farmland.
Goal 6 - Economic - Production/Processing/Business Development
Develop and recommend policy, research and program options which support economic viability, resilient agricultural diversity and regionalized infrastructure for food and farming systems in Iowa.
Goal 7 - Economic - Buying & Selling
Develop and recommend policy, research and program options which promote the buying and selling of Iowa-grown foods by Iowans.
Goal 8 - Fair Food & Farming
Develop and recommend policy, research and program options which help assure Iowa’s food and farming systems are fair.
Communication
Goal 9 - Outreach & Education
9a) Increase dialogue among food system stakeholders across Iowa.
9b) Cooperate with existing local and state-wide food system groups by providing technical assistance and outreach on food and farming policy, research and program options.
9c) Provide outreach and education to Iowans and legislative/regulatory bodies on food and farming policy, research and program options.