Iowa schools eligible for $1,000 match on local food purchases
Local tomatoes. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship launched a $70,000 pilot program Monday to help schools purchase local meat, poultry, produce, dairy, eggs or honey through the Choose Iowa program.
Schools are eligible for a dollar for dollar match up to $1,000 per building, which means up to $2,000, per participant will go to local food producers.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called the program a 'win for everyone involved.'
'Students are served fresh, locally produced foods. Schools can support and build relationships with Choose Iowa members in their communities,' Naig said in a press release. 'School food service programs create new markets for small and beginning farmers to sell their products, and that helps generate economic activity in rural communities.'
Choose Iowa is a state-run program that identifies, brands and promotes Iowa grown and raised foods, beverages and products. The pilot purchasing program was authorized by the Legislature in 2024, and its first tranche, which helped food banks in Iowa purchase from local producers, launched over the summer.
This pilot program allocated $225,000 in total to food banks that purchased from local growers.
Specialty crop growers and local food advocates hope to see the purchasing programs, which are currently in the pilot stage, funded permanently. Naig also stressed the importance of Choose Iowa when talking to lawmakers about the department's funding for the upcoming fiscal year in an appropriations subcommittee.
According to a 2021 study by researchers at Iowa State University, about 95% of table food consumed in Iowa is grown outside of the state.
The Iowa Food System Coalition said local food purchases made by institutions like schools, hospitals and food banks are 'essential' to strengthening a local food system and supporting more farmers to grow fruits, vegetables and other crops that end up on Iowa tables. The coalition has listed a number of 2025 legislative priorities, including a push to make the Choose Iowa purchasing program permanent.
Choose Iowa has more than 170 members across the state who sell Iowa-made products from meat and vegetables to prepared foods and goods. Schools must purchase from Choose Iowa members to be eligible for the funding
'I strongly encourage schools around the state to apply for participation in this purchasing program,' Naig said.
Iowa producers can become Choose Iowa members online. Interested schools can apply for the pilot purchasing program online through April 7. IDALS said participating schools will be announced in April, and reimbursement for schools will begin in the fall school semester.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Iowa governor vetoes bill restricting private pipelines' use of eminent domain
Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoed a bill Wednesday aimed at CO2 pipelines and eminent domain. She's pictured at her 2025 Condition of the State Address Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds Wednesday vetoed a controversial bill pertaining to eminent domain and carbon sequestration pipelines in Iowa. House Republican leaders initiated an effort to reconvene the Legislature to override the veto, but Senate GOP leaders indicated that was unlikely. House File 639 would have increased insurance requirements for hazardous liquid pipelines, limited carbon pipeline permits to one 25-year term and changed the definition of a common carrier for pipelines, making it more difficult for the projects to use eminent domain. Reynolds, in a statement, said she shared the bill's goal of 'protecting landowners' but the bill lacked the 'clear, careful lines' drawn in good policy. 'It combines valid concerns with vague legal standards and sweeping mandates that reach far beyond their intended targets,' Reynolds said in a letter announcing her decision to veto. Reynolds followed her critique of the bill by noting that Iowa could lose its 'leadership position' as a top biofuel production state if legislation stopped the infrastructure necessary to enter ultra-low carbon markets. Central to the bill is a carbon sequestration pipeline project led by Summit Carbon Solutions that would transport liquid carbon dioxide, captured from biorefineries across Iowa, to underground storage in North Dakota. Farmers and the biofuels industry have been supportive of the Summit pipeline, and therefore opposed to the bill, because it would give Iowa access to the carbon capture and sequestration technologies necessary to make products like sustainable aviation fuels. In a statement following the governor's veto, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said without carbon capture projects, and entry to ultra-low carbon fuel industry, Iowa could face 'very real, very severe economic consequences.' 'This is a classic example of why our system of government has checks and balances,' Shaw said. 'Any thoughtful review of this bill would determine that it would lead to higher energy prices for Iowans, hamper future economic development, hold back job creation, and stifle new markets for Iowa farmers. IRFA thanks Gov. Reynolds for listening to Iowans, studying the actual legislation, and ignoring the rhetoric that was as inaccurate as it was loud.' A press release from Iowa Corn Growers Association said entrance to the aviation fuel industry alone could result in nearly 6.5 million bushels of new corn demand, which it said is necessary for farmers dealing with high input costs and decreased profit margins. Farmers 'need expanded market growth and access to continue raising corn profitably; allowing them to continue growing Iowa's agricultural industry and economy,' the statement said. Opponents of the bill, including several lawmakers, argued the bill was aimed solely at carbon sequestration projects, rather than protecting landowners from eminent domain as supporters claimed. 'Eminent domain' allows the government to force private landowners to allow use of their property, for a fee set by the courts, for infrastructure projects deemed in the public interest. Eminent domain has long been used projects such as public roads and utilities. Leadership from Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, or SIRE, said its CO2 pipeline project connecting to Nebraska's Tallgrass Trailblazer pipeline would be impacted by the bill's insurance and permit limit clauses, even though the SIRE project secured voluntary easements for 100% of its path in Iowa. Reynolds cited this example in her explanation, and said the 'arbitrary' term limits and insurance requirements would make it 'difficult for companies like SIRE to justify the additional investment' in Iowa. 'Those who crafted the bill said they don't want to stop CO2 pipelines that rely entirely on voluntary easements,' Reynolds said. 'But that is exactly what the bill does.' Summit Carbon Solutions thanked the governor for her 'thoughtful and thorough review' of the bill. In a statement, the company said the pipeline project 'opens the door to new markets and helps strengthen America's energy dominance for the long term.' 'Summit remains committed to working with landowners through voluntary agreements—just as we have with more than 1,300 Iowa landowners to date, resulting in $175 million in payments,' a spokesperson said in the statement. 'We look forward to continued discussions with state leaders as we advance this important project.' Opponents to the pipeline project, who were supportive of HF 639, argue the pipeline would negatively impact their properties and health, and that sequestering CO2 does not constitute a 'public use' deserving of eminent domain rights. Landowners opposed to the project lobbied state lawmakers for four years before a bill was debated, and ultimately passed, in the Senate and sent to the governor. Since the bill landed on the governor's desk, landowners have encouraged Reynolds to support Iowa GOP values on protecting property rights. Reynolds said the debate of when the government, or companies with government approval, can take private property is a 'debate as old as the Republic.' 'I've consistently said that if eminent domain is used, it must be rare, fair and a last resort,' Reynolds said. 'But HF 639 isn't just about eminent domain.' Reynolds said the bill sets a precedent that 'threatens' the state's 'energy reliability, economy and reputation as a place where businesses can invest with confidence.' Mary Powell, a Shelby County landowner opposed to the pipeline, said the veto shows that the state motto of, 'Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain' are 'just empty words' to the governor. 'Governor Reynolds chose to support the millionaires and billionaires at the expense of Iowans and their property rights,' Powell said in a statement. Another landowner, Don Johanssen from Cherokee County, said the governor's decision was 'beyond words,' especially as the bill would have given landowners 'some liability coverage' from hazardous pipelines. The bill would have required pipeline operator to carry insurance that covered any loss or injury from accidental, negligent or intentional discharges from the pipeline, and to cover insurance increases that landowners face due to the pipeline. 'This is a sad day for Iowa that will be long remembered,' Johanssen said. Reynolds said the bill would impact 'more than just CO2 infrastructure' and would change permitting rules 'across the board,' giving 'uncertainty into critical energy projects.' Opponents of the bill called the insurance requirements 'untenable.' The American Petroleum Institute's Midwest Regional Director Mike Karbo said the bill had 'unprecedented and unfeasible requirements' that would have hindered future projects in the state. 'Since there are no refineries in the state, critical energy infrastructure, such as pipelines, are crucial in ensuring Iowans have a reliable source of energy, and certainty is needed to develop the infrastructure network,' Karbo said. 'We thank the Governor for doing what is right for the future of energy development in the state.' Reynolds said HF 639 included 'a few helpful provisions' and the surrounding debate 'highlighted' areas for progress. 'I agree we can do more to limit the use of eminent domain, promote transparency, and ensure responsible land restoration,' Reynolds said. 'We can do better.' Reynolds, who is not running for reelection in 2026, said she is 'committed' to working with legislation to 'strengthen landowner protections, modernize permitting and respect private property.' Taking one element from HF 639, Reynolds will ask the IUC to require all commissioners to be present for live testimony and ensure at least one commissioner is present at every informational meeting. In a statement from Iowa House Republicans, Speaker Pat Grassley said he has requested members sign a petition to reconvene the Legislature in a special session. 'This veto is a major setback for Iowa,' Grassley said in the statement. 'It is a setback not only for landowners who have been fighting across Iowa, but for the work the House of Representatives has put in for four years to get legislation like HF 639 passed. We will not stop fighting and stand firm on our commitment until landowners' in Iowa are protected against Eminent Domain for private gain.' Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, said he was 'very disappointed' in the governor's decision and that he was supportive of a special session to override the veto. Two-thirds of the Legislature must sign a petition to request a special session, and to override a veto, two-thirds of the members from each chamber must vote to pass the bill again. Sen. Jack Whitver, R-Grimes, the majority leader for the chamber, said he expects most of his caucus will 'not be interested in any attempt' to override the governor's veto. The bill likely would not have advanced in the Senate had it not been for a dozen Republican senators who vowed to block necessary budget legislation until the chamber debated eminent domain. The 12 were also joined by Senate Democrats in pushing for amendments, which were ultimately defeated, and approval of the bill. Senate Democrats said the fight for property rights will continue. 'I'm disappointed by the governor's veto of HF639, but, unfortunately, I cannot say I'm surprised,' Sen. Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, said. 'There is simply no amount of political posturing or legislative stonewalling that can deny the fact that Iowans' right to private property should never be infringed upon for private gain.' One of the 12 to disagree with the Senate majority, Sen. Kevin Alons, R-Salix, said signing the bill was 'the single option available' to protect the rights of impacted landowners. Alons pledged to 'never quit working' on the issue, but said that means 'very little' to landowners who have been impacted by the 'unprecedented, and unconstitutional land grab.' 'To be clear: the Iowa government has given this private company the right to take people's land for one reason: corporate earnings,' Alons said in a statement. 'This has nothing to do with public use. It's absolutely not necessary for the ethanol industry in our state … And it certainly is not what the founders had in mind.' Alons said when the Legislature returns in January, he and other lawmakers 'will use every tool at our disposal' to 'return property rights back to the people.' Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, who sponsored the legislation, wrote in a social media post he was 'profoundly disappointed' by the veto. Holt said the state constitution and the Republican platform are clear in their message that eminent domain is for public use projects. 'Today the Governor has chosen to ignore landowners, the vast majority of the Legislature, the Republican Party Platform and the Iowa Constitution by choosing the economic development argument of special interests,' Holt wrote. Holt said Reynolds, and the Senate had opportunities of the past several years to offer their own suggestions to the eminent domain issue instead of opposing House legislation. 'On behalf of the people of Iowa and their fundamental property rights, the Governor's veto should be overridden,' he wrote. 'This fight for who we are as Republicans is far from over.' House Democratic Leader Rep. Brian Meyer said parties in the House collaborated to 'protect property rights.' 'At the end of the day, there is only one group to blame for the failure of the eminent domain bill: Iowa Republican lawmakers,' Meyer said in a statement. The first phase of the Summit Carbon Solutions project was approved by IUC nearly a year ago, which granted Summit the right to condemn easements from landowners who do not want to voluntarily sign agreements to put the pipeline on their land. Per the Iowa permit, Summit still needs a permit from South Dakota, which it has been denied twice, to begin construction. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tariffs could hit bike shops hardest
(WHTM) — The latest tariffs on imported aluminum and steel are expected to impact one local business model more than any: bicycle shops. When it comes to imported metals, bikes just might top the list. Think aluminum frames and steel petals. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'The majority of the bikes we sell are gonna be made out of aluminum,' said Michael Haas, a bike shop manager. 'But anything we get in framewise is going to come from abroad.' The biggest brand his shop offers, Specialized, is headquarter in California but manufactured in Taiwan and other countries. That starts to add up with President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on imported metals. While bike shops say they started seeing the impact of thee tariffs about a month ago, most of the bikes consumers see in stock have been in the country for two, three or four months. So, tariffs may not have affected the prices of what's in store just yet. Haas recommends buying now before they do. 'It's definitely not fun for the customer when they see prices raised,' Haas said. 'So, we are doing as much as we can.' PA House passes bill requiring American-made steel in tax-payer funded projects Shops like his are trying to absorb the costs, but consumers will start to see prices rise starting this summer. E-bikes are especially hard hit. But just like with many things, bikes won't have tariffs if they are made in the United States with American steel. That could take a while to happen. Find more stories on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tribes celebrate record economic impact in Oklahoma
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman Jacob Keyes holds a page of study findings on the economic impact of Oklahoma tribal nations during an event Wednesday at the Oklahoma History Center. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma's tribal nations contributed $23.4 billion to the state's economy in 2023, according to a study released Wednesday. Over 55,000 Oklahomans were directly employed by tribes and nearly 140,000 jobs were supported for both tribal citizens and non-citizens, the tribal-backed study found. This totals more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits in 2023. Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, said the report 'speaks volumes' to the impact tribes have on the state. 'I think Oklahoma should be very blessed to see the impacts that tribes are having across the state. It's something that they can always look to as well,' Morgan said. 'Tribes aren't going anywhere. We're not some private industry that will decide to move our headquarters. We're not going to be sending our money to shareholders across the country or across the world. All that money, all of those businesses, all of those programs and services turn over in our communities multiple times.' The study, conducted by Kyle Dean, an economics professor and director of the Center for Native American & Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University, used 2023 data from 19 participating tribes. There are 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma. Dean has compiled three previous reports, published in 2012, 2019 and 2021. A product of a joint effort between the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association and United for Oklahoma, a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes, the study found that between the 2019 and 2023 budget years, tribal economic activity grew $4.9 billion. Around $7.4 billion in revenue was generated by tribal gaming and 'related businesses.' The report shows 'tribal contributions to the state are both reliable and enduring,' Dean said at an event Wednesday revealing the findings. 'I have to say that I'm unsurprised by the results,' Dean said. 'The impact is extraordinary, but it no longer surprises you. The level and growth of impact is consistent.' Over a third of the visits to tribal gaming and entertainment properties were from out-of-state, according to a 2019 report. This is indicative of the impact gaming has, pulling in tourism that also benefits the surrounding local communities, Morgan said. Oklahoma's tribes have exclusivity over gaming through compacts with the state. In exchange, tribes send a portion of the revenues to the state. With the education portion of their exclusivity fees, tribes contributed $351 million for Oklahoma education programs in 2023, according to the report. Leaders of six tribal nations celebrated the results of the study Wednesday at the Oklahoma History Center. Each touted the medical centers, homes, education programs, businesses and public infrastructure their tribes funded, often with gaming and tourism as the primary revenue source. 'Gaming revenue for us is just a vehicle that gets us to do all of the things that we want to do for our people and for the surrounding community,' Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman Jacob Keyes said. 'We're grateful to have that ability. But, it's only growing, and the more gaming grows, the more that impact grows for us.' Oklahoma tribes spent $133.6 million on tribal education programs and scholarships. They donated $39.3 million to Oklahoma communities and universities. Another $582 million was spent on health care services for over 3.5 million unique patient visits, the study found. Tribal leaders said they often provide services and create jobs in rural areas that would have few resources otherwise. Choctaw Nation Principal Chief Gary Batton pointed to the drone research and development center established in the small southeast Oklahoma community of Daisy. 'It's a place where nobody would invest except the Choctaw Nation, and tribes do this all across their various reservations,' Batton said. The report shows that Oklahoma tribal governments are 'doing everything they can' to uplift people in the state and 'love' working with other governments to ensure the benefits are 'felt across the state,' Morgan said. 'I think the most positive thing that comes from this is that we have objective numbers to walk into the Chamber of Commerce or the state Capitol, and show people the contributions that tribal governments are making across the state,' he said. '… We want to be proud of what we're doing, but we also want to relay the point that we're at the table, we're a part of Oklahoma, and we're ready to make Oklahoma the best it can be in working together.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX