DES MOINES, IOWA (May 6, 2026) — Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Iowa Restaurant Association has launched IowaFarmToTable.org, a new statewide platform designed to connect Iowans and visitors with curated farm-to-table dining experiences, chef-led events, and destination-worthy restaurants.
Mother’s Day remains the busiest dining day of the year, with restaurants across the state expecting strong traffic as families celebrate over meals. At the same time, consumer spending trends continue to show a shift toward experiences and flexible gifts, with gift cards being one of the most popular options.
The new platform brings those trends together — making it easy to find, book, and give a meaningful experience rooted in Iowa’s farm-to-table culinary scene.
Shaping Perceptions Through Food Experiences
“Iowa’s dining experiences are often the first and most lasting impression people have of our state,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association.
“We created Iowa Farm to Table to connect people — whether they’re celebrating Mom or visiting for the first time — to experiences that reflect who we are. These are meals built around our farms, our chefs, and our communities. They’re not just places to eat, they’re how people experience Iowa.”
The site features four core categories: Seasonal farm dinners, immersive culinary journeys, farm-driven restaurants, and American Classics. Together, these experiences highlight Iowa’s deep connection between agriculture, culture, and cuisine while positioning the state as a destination for food-focused travel.
Travelers Prioritize Authenticity
Research from the Iowa Tourism Office shows that a strong majority of travelers — approximately 70% — expect to find farm-to-table and locally-sourced food experiences when visiting Iowa. That expectation positions food as a key driver of travel decisions and reinforces the importance of platforms like IowaFarmToTable.org in helping visitors easily discover and connect with those experiences.
For Mother’s Day, the site offers a timely way to discover experiences or purchase gift cards directly from participating restaurants and events — giving families an option that extends beyond a single meal.
“People are looking for ways to spend time together, not just exchange things,” Dunker said.
“A farm dinner, a chef’s table, a restaurant rooted in local sourcing — those are gifts that create memories. And in Iowa, those experiences are everywhere once you know where to look.”
The Iowa Restaurant Association developed the platform in collaboration with partners across the state’s tourism and agriculture sectors with sponsorship from the Iowa Tourism Office and Iowa Economic Development Authority with the goal of elevating Iowa’s profile as a culinary destination and driving visitation to local communities.
To explore experiences visit IowaFarmToTable.org.
About the Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association represents and supports the state’s restaurant and hospitality industry through advocacy, education, and promotion. The Association works to strengthen Iowa’s food and beverage community while advancing the industry as a key driver of the state’s economy and tourism.
