Why focus on local food?

For a growing number of Hoosiers, eating local food is a delicious and fun way to support our local economy and enhance our quality of place. Buying local food strengthens relationships between eaters, farmers, winemakers, chefs and artisan food producers across the region and so much more...

“ 10% = $1 billion.  If we substituted 10% of our current at-home household food budget with locally grown and produced food, we would generate over a  billion dollars of economic activity  in Indiana. That’s just $458 per year per household.”

— Purdue Extension Local Food Program info sheet, 2016

“[Based on USDA Census of Agriculture data] Northeast Indiana produces  $1.4 billion  of farm products each year, which are typically  exported  to other states or countries at wholesale prices. Meanwhile, the region  imports  about  $1.9 billion  of food (at retail prices) that is sourced outside the state.”

— Ken Meter (Crossroads Resource Center), Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership Strategic Plan for Northeast Indiana Local Food Network, 2016

“ Local food isn’t just an economic driver and a job creator; it’s a cultural statement. Our community’s diverse farms, restaurants, breweries, and other establishments tell a story of who we are. They’re a critical part of what makes Allen County a unique, vibrant place to live.” 

- John Urbahns, President & CEO, Greater Fort Wayne Inc, 2020

The  #1 Culinary Concept at Restaurants in 2018 was hyper-local ingredient sourcing. Four of the other top 10 trends revolve around local food: Environmental Sustainability (#4), Locally sourced meat & seafood (#5), Locally sourced produce (#6), Farm/Estate branded items (#8).

— National Restaurant Association, What’s Hot in 2018 Chef Survey

“There is little doubt that food systems are playing a much more prominent role in our plans for future success and our designs for vibrant places. Food is at once  a driver of economic vitality , a cultural experience, a path to sustainability, an opportunity for education and entrepreneurship, and a key component of personal and civic health.”

— Chris Freda (Urban Planner & Designer, Sasaki), Local Food as a Driver of Place, 2017

“Regional food systems represent a promising avenue for economic growth for both rural and urban communities through creation of new or the enhancement of existing jobs and businesses….The approaches that support the development of regional food systems not only contribute direct economic benefits to the community, but can also open the door for improved access to healthy food and other positive outcomes that could result in improved community health and a more productive workforce”

— Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investment to Transform Communities, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2017. 

“Indiana is the  10th largest farm state  in the U.S., yet  90%  of the food Indiana residents eat is sourced outside of the state. In particular,  98%  of the fruits and vegetables Hoosiers eat were imported into Indiana.” 

— Ken Meter (Crossroads Resource Center), Hoosier Farmer? Emergent Food Systems in Indiana (commissioned by IN State Dept. of Health), 2012