A New Face at Iowa FFP: Meet Lydia Zerby

June 14, 2021

The Iowa Food & Family Project is excited to welcome Lydia Zerby to the team. She is passionate about connecting consumers with farmers who grow safe and nutritious food.

Lydia Zerby has just joined the Iowa Soybean Association as the Consumer Insights & Engagement Manager. In her role, she will lead the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP).

“I am so excited to dive in and build on the incredibly strong work of the Iowa Food & Family Project over the past decade,” Lydia says. “I look forward to engaging in thoughtful dialog with food-minded Iowans about modern agriculture.”

Prior to leading the Iowa FFP, Zerby served as program manager for the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, a position she held for more than 10 years. In this role, she annually worked with and coordinated more than 300 vendors, 80 entertainers, 50 nonprofit organizations and numerous sponsors and community partners.

“Over the years, I developed strong relationships with the farmers and food makers who participate in the Downtown Farmers’ Market and loved learning about and sharing their stories,” Lydia explains. “I’m passionate about connecting consumers with the Iowa farmers who tirelessly work to grow safe and nutritious food. Continuing this work through Iowa FFP will be my priority.”

Lydia is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and resides in Ames with her husband Evan, daughter Hannah (5) and son Graham (3).

Her hobbies include spending time with extended family, exploring the outdoors with the couple’s children and visiting local festivals and events. Though she was born a “city girl,” Lydia loves learning about all things agriculture and connecting with those who have a passion for food, family and fun!