Johnson County will increase food security and access to local foods in the community by expanding support of local foods initiatives. The expansion is a result of Johnson County’s investment of funds received from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The Board of Supervisors voted to allocate $200,000 for local foods initiatives over the next three fiscal years to support a more resilient and equitable community-based food system, by increasing capacity and reducing barriers for local food and farm businesses. Of the $200,000 investment, $50,000 will be utilized in Fiscal Year 2022, which ends June 30, to support access to local fruits, vegetables and proteins for food-insecure residents. The project will also work to foster economic growth in the community food system by purchasing and distributing vegetable and protein shares grown by local farmers.
The $150,000 allocated for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 will support the long-term growth of Johnson County’s community-based food system. Projects will fund food supply chain infrastructure; access to food; bridging the wholesale gap; equitable access for food and farm businesses; and farmland access and sustainable land management.
More information about ARPA and how it impacts Johnson County is available at https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/arpa.