Central Lee among schools in Choose Iowa program

DES MOINES - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that 125 Iowa public and private schools will receive funding through the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program to purchase Iowa grown and raised food. Each participating school will receive approximately $1,600, which will be matched at least one-to-one by the school to double the impact and generate additional purchases of local food. The program funding allocated by the Iowa Legislature was evenly distributed among schools so that every eligible school that applied for the program received funding.
The announcement comes one week ahead of Iowa Local Food Day on Sept. 23, an annual celebration of Iowa grown, made and raised food and beverages. Secretary Naig is encouraging schools, families and all Iowans to join the celebration by choosing local foods and supporting Iowa farmers and food businesses.
“Choose Iowa is all about connecting more Iowans with the great food, beverages and agricultural products produced right here in our state. Now in its second year, we continue to see strong demand for the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools program, demonstrating the desire to serve more fresh, healthy and nutritious Iowa foods to students,” said Secretary Naig. “I’m going to continue asking the Iowa Legislature for additional funding to grow the program so even more students can benefit from it. As we look ahead to Iowa Local Food Day, I encourage all Iowans to celebrate by choosing local whenever they can.”
The Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program, now in its first year with permanent funding, provides $200,000 to help participating schools purchase eligible Iowa food products through seven Iowa food hubs. The required one-to-one school match will leverage at least an additional $200,000 in local purchases, generating at least $400,000 in total purchasing power for Iowa grown and raised food.
A full list of the 125 participating schools is available on ChooseIowa.com.

The permanent program was authorized through the bipartisan 2026 Iowa Farm Act, which was introduced and championed by Secretary Naig. It builds on the successful Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Program for Schools launched in 2025. During the pilot, 61 schools or school districts applied for funding, requesting more than twice the $70,000 available. Ultimately, 33 schools or school districts received funding to purchase Iowa food for their students.
The Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program helps build relationships among Iowa farmers, food businesses, food hubs and schools while creating demand for Iowa agricultural products. It complements the permanent Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program, which similarly connects Iowa farmers and food businesses with food banks and emergency feeding organizations.
Celebrate Iowa Local Food Day
Iowa Local Food Day will be celebrated statewide on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Iowans are encouraged to celebrate by seeking out fresh, nutritious and locally produced food and supporting the Iowa farmers, food businesses and communities behind those products. Consumers can find nearby farms, food businesses, farmers markets, retail locations and other local food options by visiting the Find Local directory at ChooseIowa.com.
About Choose Iowa
Choose Iowa is the state’s signature branding and marketing program for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food, beverages and agricultural products. Initiated by Secretary Naig and administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Choose Iowa continues to build momentum with nearly 360 members statewide. Through its growing membership, consumer promotion, grant programs and food purchasing initiatives, Choose Iowa is creating new market opportunities for Iowa farmers and small businesses while making it easier for consumers to find and purchase Iowa products.