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Kurtz Produce & FortWayne CommunitySchools, Farm to School

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR 1

Dear Friends,

2025 was a year of remarkable resilience. While the nonprofit funding landscape grew increasingly complex, the demand for the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network services reached an all-time high. In response, we prioritized the strategic planning, regional research, and organizational development necessary to meet this moment.

Whether you are a donor, a producer, or a community partner, your support came at a critical time. While the past year presented unforeseen obstacles, your partnership ensured we could continue building our regional capacity. This did more than just maintain our presence, it helped us establish the foundation necessary to serve more effectively. As you read through the milestones in this report, know that each achievement was made possible by this partnership. Thank you for helping us build a more resilient local food system.

— Karen Petersen, Executive Director Northeast Indiana Local Food Network

NORTHEAST INDIANA LOCAL FOOD NETWORK

MISSION & VISION

Mission:

We collaborate with partners across Northeast Indiana and beyond to cultivate a resilient local food system that connects our communities, reduces food insecurity, creates prosperity for our farms, and nourishes all our families.

Values:

Vision:

Collaboration • Compassion • Innovation • Integrity • Prosperity • Regeneration • Resiliency • Self-sufficiency

We envision a thriving Northeast Indiana food system where fresh, local food is at the heart of the community, readily obtainable by all, and where farmers are empowered by a strong regional food economy. Through innovation and collaboration, we strive for a resilient food system that regenerates the land, fosters connection, and ensures a healthier future for generations to come.

NORTHEAST INDIANA LOCAL FOOD NETWORK

2025 REACH

14,324 Neighbors Engaged: We expanded our reach across the region, connecting residents to fresh local food through HEAL and Double Up retail transactions, digital education, outreach and regional programming

119 Community Events: From high-energy public celebrations like Local Food Week and the Local Food Throwdown to the strategic coalitions connecting our partners, farms, and families.

47 Volunteers Mobilized: Dedicated local advocates who powered our events and community outreach efforts

Harvest of the Month, NEI Farm to SchoolTeam

Johnnie Mae Farm,

NORTHEASTINDIANALOCALFOOD NETWORK

KEY SUCCESSES

Released the 2025 Local Food Needs Assessment: A comprehensive study of our 11-county regional food system

Defined our Future: Developed a new Mission, Vision, and 3-year Strategic Plan to guide our growth

Expanded Regional Leadership: Welcomed 7 new board members, extending our reach and governance into the broader Northeast Indiana region

Celebrated Regional Talent: Successfully returned the Local Food Throwdown fundraiser showcasing the best ingredients from local farms and the talented individuals who produce and serve them

St th d F d A S fully served as Co-Project a in Allen County, paving the way nd leadership

Power of Produce (POP) at Parkview Greenhouse, HEALMarket

2025 BY THE NUMBERS

91 Events Across 8 Counties during Local Food Week

10 Media Stories & Interviews

4,228 Social Media followers

1,505 Local Food News subscribers

8 Community Engagement presentations

171 Local Food Throwdown guests

178 Businesses listed in our online Local Food Guide

RESULTS & METRICS

LocalFoodforAllFundLaunched:

$10,778raised to help make fresh, local food more obtainable for all

DoubleUp-AllenCounty: Economic Impact $120,655

HEAL:Marketing,Outreach&Education

23 Farm Markets in 3 Locations resulted in $75,000 in local produce sold

LocalFoodGuide: Online resource guide grew by 31%

Cameron Ruhl Thanksgiving Food Distribution,Wellspring

HEALFarm Market

Lauren Knoop & Karen Petersen, GusNIP National Convening

OUR PATH FORWARD

Capacity & Financial Sustainability: Organizational growth and diversifying revenue streams to ensure the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network remains ready to serve our 11-county food system.

Regional Infrastructure Planning: Advancing food hub feasibility studies and working group initiatives to determine the physical infrastructure needed to bridge the gap between local producers and buyers.

Nutrition Access & Youth Engagement: Expanding the reach of Double Up Food Bucks and the Power of Produce (PoP) Club to enhance nutrition security for families while empowering the next generation of local food consumers.