Beginning in 2023 a 10-county-wide food system was formed in Southeast Iowa including Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Wapello, Davis, and Washington counties. The Southeast Iowa Food Web, discovered that more than 95% of the food produced in Southeast Iowa is consumed outside the region, traveling an average of 2,000 miles before reaching its destination. Recognizing these issues the Southeast Iowa Food Web was created by producers, consumers, and farmers. The mission is to boost awareness and demand for locally grown and raised foods. The first phase of the needs assessment involves a short survey to food system participants. The goal is to gather responses from 3,000-5,000 participants. Organizations and individuals are invited to participate and provide data that could aid in these efforts in Southeast Iowa. You can find a link to more information and the survey with this news story at KCIIRadio.com.