University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy and Environmental Education / FoodCorps

Program Type: 
Academic Classrooms, School Cafeterias, Garden Classrooms
Grade Level/Age Group: 
High School, Middle School, Upper Elementary, Lower Elementary, Kindergarten
Number of Individuals Program Serves: 
2,000
Year Founded: 
2011
About the Program: 

The The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (UNI-CEE), located in Cedar Falls, Iowa is home to a dynamic and proven local food systems working group - including Black Hawk county, and the six immediately contiguous counties. The Mission of UNI-CEE is, “to empower Iowans with the knowledge, experiences, tools, and inspiration needed to create a sustainable future for our communities.”

UNI-CEE hosts FoodCorps service members who spend direct hours serving within schools - both with food service staff and students. Time spent with food service staff includes learning about existing food service delivery methods, the realities of the National School Lunch Program and more local limitations and opportunities for local food procurement. Additionally, FoodCorps service members also are in classrooms and gardens delivering nutrition education and curriculum to students.