TOLEDO – Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Tama County recently released its annual Impact Report demonstrating significant contributions across youth development, financial security, and agricultural stewardship. The report highlights how research-backed programs provided critical support to thousands of county residents, resulting in a calculated community economic impact of over $1.9 million.

Focus on Economic Stability and Financial Security

One of the most immediate financial impacts came through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Supported by four certified community volunteers who dedicated 383 hours, the program achieved significant results for low- and moderate-income Iowans:

-Secured over $100,000 in federal and state refunds for 83 individuals.

-Distributed $26,043 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) refunds in Tama County alone.

-Contributed to a calculated $1.91 million in community economic impact statewide through the circulation of EITC dollars.

Strengthening Local Agriculture and Conservation

Recognizing the challenges in farmland partnerships, Tama County Extension hosted a Farmland Leasing workshop, providing expert guidance to landowners and tenants. Post-program evaluations showed that the session successfully empowered participants as

-90% of attendees gained valuable knowledge of leasing trends and rental rates.

-80% of those involved in lease agreements planned to implement changes for 2026, including improving communication and adopting conservation practices.

-Participants rated the program’s average impact at $975 per operation.

Investing in Youth Health and Leadership

Tama County Extension and Outreach has prioritized the holistic well-being of local youth through key programs:

-4-H Healthy Living Clover Power: Partnering with three local schools, this program shared 5-2-1-0 healthy living messages with students in grades K-8, utilizing Cooking School videos and Mindful Moments lessons to build lifelong wellness habits.

-Mindful Teen Program: Led for seventh graders in two school districts, this initiative equipped youth with evidence-based mindfulness skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and foster confidence in an era of digital and social pressure.

-4-H Clubs: The 13 Tama County 4-H clubs prepared 266 members to be “Beyond Ready” for 2025 and beyond through hands-on projects in agriculture, STEM, and civic engagement, led by 28 dedicated local volunteers.

Fighting Food Insecurity and Promoting Healthy Choices

ISU Extension’s focus on food systems delivered direct benefits to community health and local producers:

-Grow-a-Row Initiative: Master Gardener volunteers advanced local food security by cultivating, collecting, and delivering over 6,300 servings of fresh produce to area food pantries.

-Power of Produce (PoP) Club: This farmers market incentive program engaged children ages 4 to 12, providing them with a $3 token to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables after completing an educational activity. This program strengthens local engagement, promotes public health, and increases vendor revenue for local producers.

The report concludes that through these initiatives – spanning 9,434 total contacts, 1,878 youth reached, and 51 local partners – ISU Extension and Outreach is effectively leveraging university research to create tangible, sustainable benefits for all residents of Tama County.