We want YOUR Input
Be a part of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Needs Assessment
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is expanding our Northeast Indiana Local Food Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan Initiative and we want to hear from YOU!
We launched this initiative in June 2024 with four Public Engagement Sessions held in Kendallville, Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Bluffton. This next phase of the needs assessment includes both targeted and public focus groups, interviews, and surveys on selected topics - all designed to gather input from a broad range of community members and stakeholders from across the region. The assessment portion of the initiative will run through the early fall of 2024 with development of our strategic plan following in early 2025.
The purpose of this initiative is to increase the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the local food system in Northeast Indiana. This planning process for our local food system will also help determine how to build capacity and resilience, increase inclusivity, and better serve vulnerable and/or marginalized populations in our region.
To learn more about Local Food Systems and why they are important, scroll down to the Local Food System infographic below.
Share Your Experiences and Ideas about Local Food in Focus Groups and Surveys
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network wants to learn your experiences and ideas about local food and our local food system. We want to hear about how and why you purchase or produce local food and what are the opportunities you see, and the challenges you face. Your input is extremely valuable to us!
We want everyone to be a part of this regional needs assessment. Whether you are a farmer, a teacher, and small business owner, a consumer who has never bought food from local farms, or someone who buys local food every week we want to hear from you. Your perspective is very important to us as we work to understand the local food needs of our community, and make plans to address these needs, so we can serve our community better.
Be a Part of Our Virtual Focus Group
We are holding two Virtual Focus Groups later this month to gather insights and ideas about local food from community members. Each of these online discussions will be facilitated by Kristi Sturtz of Sturtz Public Management.
Join others from across our region to discuss the role that local food does and can play in Northeast Indiana. We will discuss a variety of topics including the local food system, food insecurity, food access, nutrition, the local food economy and more.
Register for the Local Food Virtual Focus Group of your choice on either
Tuesday, September 24 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thursday, September 26 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Registration for each focus group is limited to 25 participants. Your link to participate in this online discussion will be emailed to those who register.
Take Our Survey to Share Your Input
Please take a few minutes to participate in one or more of the surveys we developed for our Local Food Needs Assessment. Click on the link to access each survey. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Consumer Survey
This survey is for anyone who buys food for themselves or their family.
Survey Monkey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NEILocalFoodConsumerSurvey
Producer Survey
This survey is for anyone who grows, raises or produces food for sale or donation.
Survey Monkey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NEIProducerSurvey
Farm to School Survey
This survey is for anyone who is interested in Farm to School educational programs and serving more local food in our schools.
Survey Monkey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NEIFarmtoSchoolSurvey
Local Food System Infographic
Our Facilitators
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is very grateful to be conducting our Local Food Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan Initiative with the guidance of Kristi Sturtz, ALM, AICP, President of Sturtz Public Management Group, and Kate Vellucci , ALM who have been hired to facilitate this process. They bring a wealth of experience in planning sustainable development, food systems, project funding and building partnerships across Northeast Indiana to this work.
Thank you to our generous grant funders
The Local Food Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan Initiative is a key part of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network Three-year Capacity Building Initiative. This initiative is partially supported by a generous grant from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, as well as a USDA Regional Food System Partnerships grant.
Questions? Contact Janet Katz, Founding Director of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network at Janet@neifood.org or Kristi Sturtz, President of Sturtz Public Management Group at kristi@sturtzpmg.com for more information.