Dubuque County Master Food Program Offers a Unique Look at Local Food Production

If you enjoy food, learning about food, and new and enriching experiences, there's a masters program calling your name. However, in this case, it's not an arduous, expensive, multi-yearlong program!

The Dubuque County Master Foodie Program, offered by Dubuque County ISU Extension & Outreach, consists of five sessions starting on September 6th, 2022. Those who register will be participate in a mix of online/in-person classes and tours that reveal the innerworkings of locally produced food.

Brittany Demezier of the Dubuque County Extension was kind enough to stop in studio to share some details about the newly launched master program:

This is the first year that we're running this program [...] it's basically a chance for people in the community to connect with all stages of our food system. From production to distribution to preparation to actually eating the food. It's gonna be a great look at everything we have here in terms of food in Dubuque County.

Each week, the program focuses on a particular aspect on the food system in Dubuque County. The first class, which is entirely online, revolves around a community overview of the Dubuque food system. From there, the subsequent classes deal in food preparation, distribution, and what happens after we "bring it all back home."

Beyond the knowledge, the program offers the chance to connect with other Tri-Staters who are passionate about food and the food system in general.

"This five-week series will provide participants with research-based information of our Dubuque County food system, the opportunity to meet other like-minded foodies, and enjoy a deeper dive into how our food system works right here in Dubuque," according to an informational flyer about the program.

Demezier is most excited about the camaraderie and connections that will ensue when a plethora of like-minded foodies get together to share a passionate interest in Dubuque County:

I'm most excited about making those connections with different people that are passionate about local foods in our community. That's always the best part; forming those relationships and getting to know other people.

 

The cost of the event is $75, which includes tour fees, meals, and all five sessions. You can register using this form, and take a listen to my full interview with Brittany Demezier below!