Decorah food programs weather recent USDA cuts

By Denise Lana,

Schools, food banks, food hubs and farms across Iowa were upended earlier this month when the U.S. Department of Agriculture terminated contracts for this year’s Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchasing Assistance programs — an $11.3 million loss across the next three years. Closer to home, several Decorah food programs have taken hits, but are determined to remain strong.  

Chad Elliott, nutrition director with the Decorah Community School District, confirmed the USDA cuts will result in the district’s breakfast and lunch menus offering fewer select entrée choices, saying center-of-the-plate items are expected to become more expensive. However, Elliott added the school district remains fortunate in other ways. He said organizations, such as Iowa Food Hub in Decorah as well as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, make it possible for the school district to serve many local and healthy food items. 

“We have a long history of serving local foods, and we will continue to incorporate local ingredients into our breakfast and lunch menus as long as they are available,” Elliott said. 

The Decorah Kids Summer Lunch Club, which provides free lunches for any child on weekdays during the summer months, is not expected to be affected by the USDA’s cuts.  

Shanna Putnam Dibble, who oversees the program, explained the free lunches have been community-supported for years.  

“Each year, we independently raise money through local grants — The Depot, 100 Women Who Care-fundraisers, and individual/business donations,” she said. 

Winneshiek Farmer’s Market Board President Josh Dansdill said more than a few area vendors may feel the cuts to the USDA’s assistance programs in a deep way.  

Full article in the March 27 Decorah Leader.

In content house ad Banner
Friest & Associates Banner

Submit A Comment

Fill out the form to submit a comment. All comments require approval by our staff before it is displayed on the website.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments