Strengthening the Regional and Local Food Systems in the Iowa Valley Enhancing the Sustainability of the University of Iowa Food System: A Factor-10 Approach

The central question of this research is, “How can we make the University of Iowa food system more sustainable?” This research builds on previous efforts to examine the sustainability of the UI food system, by forming a diverse working group of individuals internal and external to UI, including faculty, students, dining services and other university staff, farmers, non-profit organizations and others. This group agreed to assess and improve the University of Iowa food system in the key areas of a) Human Health and Well Being, b) Ecological Health and c) Regional Prosperity. Over the full 11 months of this project, its members produced a vision document generated by members of the working group, two original research papers by graduate students, service-learning experience for six undergraduate students and a working group for sustainability initiatives on campus. Despite grassroots efforts, we found it difficult to overcome the lingering skepticism and inertia of key players in the UI food system. Lack of direction from upper administration and the absence of strong, organized student demand created an environment of low incentive for progressive action on the part of some staff. In light of these problems, project participants concluded the effort with a new institutional strategy involving (a) the development of a Sustainability Action Curriculum to create a brochure for students interested in courses addressing sustainability, (b) active cooperation with the members of the UI administration who are committed to putting sustainability on the agenda at UI, (c) cooperation with student organizations in creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and to take action, and (d) the development of a web-based network to enhance communication among sustainability groups on campus and a marketing strategy to create a coherent message for sustainability efforts at UI.

Contact:
Leah Wilson
2424 E Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
wilson.leah.m@gmail.com
319-621-3009