By Andi Anderson
Momentum behind the Northeast Indiana local food movement was clearly demonstrated during a recent Local Food Networking and Policy Summit held at Ivy Tech Community College.
Despite a winter storm, nearly 70 participants attended from more than 100 registered stakeholders, showing strong commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient regional food system across an 11-county area.
The event focused on strengthening connections within the local food economy. Networking sessions emphasized the importance of relationships between producers, processors, businesses and regional programs.
These discussions helped bridge gaps between agriculture and industry while encouraging collaboration that supported local business growth and community-based food initiatives.
Policy conversations were guided by Executive Order 25-58 issued by Mike Braun titled ‘Making Indiana Healthy Again By Increasing Hoosier Access to Local Foods’.
This executive action directed the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to study the current local food landscape across the state. Key study areas included evaluating existing programs, reducing barriers to farm diversification and identifying opportunities in food processing and economic development.
A central feature of the summit was a listening session led by Rachel Brandenburg of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
The session created an open forum where participants shared regional successes challenges and unmet needs. Stakeholders discussed which programs were working well and which organizations required additional support to expand access to local foods. This feedback ensured state recommendations reflected real world regional experiences.
The summit welcomed a wide range of voices from across the food system. Participants included legislative representatives, staff from the office of Senator Todd Young, local producers, food entrepreneurs, public health professionals, education leaders, nonprofit advocates and engaged consumers. This diverse participation allowed for a balanced discussion of food access, nutrition, education, economic opportunity and policy development.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle