The Dallas County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office is expanding into the Perry community, with one of its first programs to be held on Thursday.

Health and Human Sciences Educator Renee Sweers tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the Extension Office is holding the first-ever “Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs,” for people interested in selling food. She notes that back in July of 2022, the state of Iowa passed a Cottage Food Law, which gave people permission to cook food in their home and then sell it to another person, but couldn’t sell it in stores. 

Sweers points out the purpose of the Best Practices program is to help food entrepreneurs identify the proper requirements. Sweers indicates that people won’t be making dishes, but rather learn about which types of cottage foods can be prepared in a household. She is hoping that people will come away with more knowledge about food making at the end of the program.

“Our ultimate goal is that the food that is being sold to the consumers, whether it’s direct sale or whether it’s at a farmer’s market that it is safe, but in line with that also, we really want to help the food entrepreneurs, so we want to help be sure that their product is safe, but also that they understand the rules that go along with it.”

Sweers encourages attendees to bring potential products they want to sell, so it can be reviewed by their staff.  She mentions the program is geared towards teenagers or adults and costs $85, which also requires registration. 

The program is taking place at the Extension’s new learning center in Perry, located at the Town Craft Gallery, 1122 Willis Avenue. An official open house will be held on Saturday. For more information, click here.