Local Food Throwdown: Tickets on Sale!

Join the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network for the
Local Food Throwdown
Monday, September 29, 2025
5:00-9:00pm
The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar
Great Food for the Greater Good
Don’t miss this fun & delicious fundraiser to strengthen local food in Northeast Indiana

The Local Food Throwdown celebrates the best and freshest ingredients from Northeast Indiana farms and the talented individuals who produce and serve them - all while raising critical funds for Northeast Indiana Local Food Network programs and initiatives.

Come enjoy locally-sourced Appetizers, Entrees & Desserts prepared by Nine of Northeast Indiana's finest chefs and vote on your favorites in this friendly competition.

The evening includes music performed by the Farmland Jazz Band, our launch of the new Local Food for All Fund, and a local food-themed silent auction with unique local food items & experiences. 

Tickets are $150 per person. Gather eight friends and request to sit together to enjoy this fun & delicious event!

Great Food for the Greater Good

The Local Food Throwdown raises crucial funds for the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network to help grow & connect our local food economy for our farmers, families, food entrepreneurs, schools and restaurants.

Your generous support will help us build 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.

We believe that with innovation and collaboration, we can develop a resilient food system that regenerates the land, fosters connection, and ensures a healthier future for all Northeast Indiana families generations to come.

The new Local Food for All Fund was created to help make fresh, local food more obtainable for all. Donations to this fund directly support initiatives that reduce food insecurity and build a stronger regional food economy for farmers and families across Northeast Indiana.


Pork Carnitas made with local ingredients.

Amazing Local Food

During the Local Food Throwdown, guests mingle with chefs to learn about their culinary creations each made with local ingredients, and about the local farms that produce them. Each guest will enjoy 3 appetizers, 3 entreés and 3 desserts prepared and served by the Nine Chefs competing in the Throwdown.

Our 2025 Local Food Throwdown Chefs

Alex Romines-Ditton - Copper Spoon 
Ashley Sturdivant - Pixie Pies 
Brandon Gump - Rowdy Rooster Artisan Meats 
Johnny Perez - Brixton BBQ
Jon Brown - Spoke + Ivy
Lynne Koepper  LaOtto Brewing 
Tony West - The Oyster Bar 
Ulises Gamez - Bravas 
Yuliia Borodynska - Flour, Salt and Water 

Special gluten-free and vegan dishes featuring local ingredients will be featured during each course for guests who indicate this preference when they buy their tickets.

Local Food Throwdown tickets include two drink tickets for a full service bar featuring special cocktails, mocktails, wines, meads, ciders and beers made with local ingredients.



The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar

The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar is a beautiful new event venue located at 3900 Hursh Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845, just north Union Chapel Road. We are excited to host the Local Food Throwdown at Camp Red Cedar and help support their mission. The Lodge has spacious indoor and outdoor spaces for our guests to enjoy, and plenty of on-site parking. The venue is also fully ADA accessible.


Sponsorship of the Local Food Throwdown

The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network welcomes inquiries about sponsorship of the Local Food Throwdown. If you, your business or your organization is interested in Local Food Throwdown Sponsorship, please contact Janet Katz at Janet@neifood.org or (260)241-2260. Your generous support is greatly appreciated.

Volunteer at the Local Food Throwdown

The Local Food Throwdown Planning Committee is seeking volunteers to help the event flow smoothly, and assure that each guest enjoys a wonderful evening. We are seeking volunteers to assist the committee before, during and after the event. If you are interested in learning more, or signing up to volunteer, please contact Ellen Bauman at Ellen@neifood.org.

Janet Katz