Shanti Sellz is the first person to hold the position of local food and planning specialist in Johnson County.

In fact, her position is unique to the state of Iowa. According to Craig Chase, local foods program manager for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, there is no other county in the state that has hired a local food specialist.

Sellz said she knows her job is an "innovative position in Iowa."

"I am thrilled to be working in a community that values a position such as mine — local foods planning — as an integral component of community development," she said. "I believe that through our work here in Johnson County we can help pave the way for more, local food system jobs throughout Iowa in the future."

Read the full article on the Iowa City Press-Citizen website.