In July, 2011, the legislature passed Senate File 509, creating the Iowa Local Food & Farm Initiative (LFFI). The LFFI was created to strengthen local food economies that promote self-sufficiency and job growth in the agricultural and allied sectors. The legislature allocated $150,000 to LFFI in 2012 and 2013 ($75,000 each year), of which 30 to 35 percent was applied to a competitive grants program in 2012 and 2013.

The LFFI has funded seven local foods projects focused on the areas of business development; beginning, minority, and transitioning farmers; and development of farm to institution sales. This impact brief shows how modest investments can leverage additional funds, create economic opportunity, benefit youth, increase awareness of local foods, and prompt new partnerships and projects.