Contact: Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606; Olivia Parry, IFM Coordinator, (608) 266-4270
Institutional Food Market Coalition Hosts Annual Meeting Monday
A Dane County led effort that links local growers with large food buyers like universities, hospitals, hotels, and conference centers, is hosting an event Monday where producers and private and public sector organizations can learn more about the merits of purchasing locally-grown foods.
“Through creation of the Institutional Food Market Coalition we’ve developed new markets for our growers and put more than one-million pounds of delicious, locally-grown fruits, veggies, meats, and cheeses on lunch and dinner plates across the Upper Midwest,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “It’s a win-win for our growers and those who like to eat good, healthy food.”
Falk noted for the 2009 growing season, the Coalition delivered 35-semi loads of local products (over one-million pounds) to 45 public and private sector users. This is a record for the program and almost four times the food delivered in 2008.
Since the start of the Institutional Food Market Coalition, Dane County has budgeted around $40,000 for staff to help coordinate the program.
The Institutional Food Market Coalition’s third annual meeting will be held Monday at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
This year’s meeting will feature a keynote speech by chef Greg Christian — founder of the Organic School Project – – a project that brings organic foods to Chicago’s public schools. There will also be sessions offering information about local food marketing programs in Wisconsin and how and where to buy large volumes of Wisconsin grown fruits and produce.
The Institutional Food Market Coalition can be found online at: http://www.ifmwi.org
