A pilot program with the goal of connecting Iowa schools with Choose Iowa members has been launched. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the program this week to encourage school food service programs to buy more products from local farmers and small businesses. 

Products that can be purchased through the program that was authorized during last year’s legislative session include meat and poultry, eggs, honey, produce, and dairy products other than milk. Schools must purchase food from a Choose Iowa member to be eligible for funding. Also, food hubs that are Choose Iowa members are eligible for purchases through this pilot program.

Each school building is eligible for up to $1,000 with a one-to-one financial match. The total budget for the pilot program is $70,000. The deadline for schools to apply is noon on April 7th.