Winter 2015 Issue

Students sampled locally produced food in Central Market.

Students got closer to their food during a special day in Central Market. Richard Phillips, director of campus dining, organized All Iowa Day to celebrate local foods. On Oct. 22, the lunch menu featured locally raised meat and produce, along with local breads, desserts and more.

The event is part of Phillips’ goal to buy more ingredients locally. It also served to educate students, faculty and staff about the benefits of locally produced foods. During lunch, diners were invited to attend seminars in the dining hall side rooms to learn more about growing and enjoying organic produce. A nutritionist discussed some of the benefits of locally produced foods.

While Central has held All Iowa Day in the past, Phillips’ goal this year was to include greater variety of foods and provide the opportunity for students to interact with local farmers and producers. Vendor offerings included a popcorn tasting and cheese from Frisian Farms.

Phillips said using more local ingredients aligns with the college’s larger goals around sustainability, and he hopes to develop long-term partnerships with more local vendors.