Northeast Indiana Local Food Network Releases 2025 Impact Report
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network (NEILFN) has released its 2025 Impact Report, documenting a year of strategic growth and resilience. From hosting 119 community events to navigating a shifting funding landscape, the report highlights NEILFN’s commitment to cultivating a local food system that fosters farm prosperity and nourishes families across the region.
2025 Strategic Milestones
The past year was defined by foundational research and expanded regional leadership:
Regional Needs Assessment: Published a comprehensive study of the 11-county food system to identify critical infrastructure and service gaps.
Strategic Governance: Developed a new three-year strategic plan and welcomed seven new board members to ensure representation across the broader Northeast Indiana region.
Food Access Leadership: Served as Co-Project Director for SNAP and Double Up Indiana in Allen County, establishing a model for future regional administration.
Community Engagement: Successfully returned the Local Food Throwdown fundraiser, celebrating the local producers and chefs who define our regional culinary identity.
Financial Stewardship & Gratitude
The 2025 Impact Report underscores our commitment to fiscal responsibility, providing a transparent overview of our diversified funding and operational investments. This year’s achievements were made possible through the collective dedication of our funding partners, Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Their shared investment of time and resources is the engine behind our regional impact, ensuring a more resilient local food system.
The 2026 Vision: Scaling for Demand
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is currently facing unprecedented demand from farmers, schools, and families. To meet this need, the organization’s 2026 goals focus on:
Infrastructure Planning: Advancing food hub feasibility studies to connect local producers with wholesale buyers.
Nutrition Security: Expanding Double Up Food Bucks and the Power of Produce (PoP) Club to empower the next generation of consumers.
Organizational Capacity: Diversifying revenue streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
This is a pivotal moment for our local food system and community support is required to fund the core operations necessary to accelerate these initiatives. To invest in our mission, donate here.
View the full 2025 Impact Report:
Join the Movement
Together, we can cultivate a Northeast Indiana where local food is at the heart of our communities - supporting thriving farms, healthy families, and a more resilient future. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities reach out to Karen Petersen, Executive Director at karen@neifood.org.