Local Food Throwdown 2025 Crowns Winners, Raises Crucial Funds for Food Access!

The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is thrilled to announce the Local Food Throwdown 2025 was a tremendous success, raising crucial funds for local food initiatives across the region! The event celebrated Great Food for the Greater Good, featuring incredible culinary talent that highlighted the quality of local producers and incredible music courtesy of the Farmland Jazz Quartet.

Culinary Champions and Local Producers:

We also extend a massive thank you to all the talented chefs who competed, bringing their craft and creativity to the Throwdown:

Alex Romines-Ditton - Copper Spoon
Ashley Sturdivant - Pixie Pies
Brandon Gump - Rowdy Rooster Artisan Meats
Lynne Koepper - LaOtto Brewing
Ulises Gamez - Bravas
Yuliia Borodynska - Flour, Salt and Water

We encourage everyone to visit these chefs and the farmers who supplied their phenomenal ingredients, supporting our regional food economy year-round.

Thanks to Generous Donors and Attendees

The funds raised immediately strengthen our mission in two vital ways:

Direct Impact: The Local Food for All Fund: This money is earmarked to directly support initiatives that make fresh, local food more obtainable for everyone, helping reduce food insecurity across our region.
Sustaining Our Mission: Operations & Programs: These resources ensure the long-term health of NEILFN, funding the staff and infrastructure needed to build a stronger regional food system for all families and businesses.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our generous event sponsors: Galecki Financial Management, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, Parkview Health, Utopian Coffee, and Tracie & John Martin. A very special thank you goes to Bowen Health, a Lead Donor whose commitment to the Local Food for All Fund makes fresh food more obtainable for everyone. We also deeply appreciate the anonymous matching donor whose generosity amplified the impact of every Local Food for All Fund contribution. Finally, thank you to our fantastic emcee, Pat Hoffmann, and The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar for their gorgeous venue.