About Us
ICT Food Circle is a program of K-State Extension Sedgwick County.
If you have an idea or see an opportunity in the food system, please share it with us!
VISION
A strong, vibrant, local food economy in south central Kansas that meets the needs of all facets of our community-based food system.
MISSION
CONNECT
residents of south central Kansas with local food producers.
EDUCATE
producers, consumers, and local food businesses to increase the skills and knowledge needed for better functioning of the community-based food system.
FACILITATE
the development of a strong local food system through leadership and networking opportunities for producers, local food businesses, and consumers.
PROGRAM GOALS
To increase…
the number of profitable local farms participating in the local food economy.
the opportunities for local farms to sell to restaurants, grocery stores, or institutions.
the number of consumers purchasing direct from producers.
the skills and knowledge of local food consumers relating to purchasing, storing, and using fresh foods.
the variety and volume of local food purchases.
the opportunities for networking and mentorship among local food producers and businesses.
the skills and knowledge of local food producers relating to business, marketing, crop planning & production, animal husbandry, pest management, food safety, and product quality.
One way that ICT Food Circle is accomplishing these goals is through a partner program, Growing Growers. This program pairs aspiring fruit and vegetable growers with a local host farm for the growing season, where they experience hands-on education and one-on-one mentorship, and it provides them with a series of workshops, teaching technical aspects of specialty crop farming and business skills to run a profitable enterprise.