Celebrating the Bounty of Northeast Indiana's Local Food Scene

Northeast Indiana's Local Food Network is gearing up for its annual Local Food Week, a 10-day celebration of the region's vibrant food ecosystem. From July 26 to August 4, the event promises a diverse array of opportunities for the community to connect with local producers, learn about sustainable agriculture, and savor the flavors of the area's bountiful culinary offerings.

Discover the Diverse Delights of Northeast Indiana's Local Food Landscape

Connecting with Local Farmers and Producers

Local Food Week is a prime opportunity for residents to forge deeper connections with the individuals and businesses that shape the region's thriving local food scene. The event's organizers have made a concerted effort to expand the reach of this year's festivities, inviting a diverse array of food producers and entrepreneurs to participate. From family-owned farms to artisanal food makers, the week's lineup promises to introduce attendees to the passionate people behind the local food movement.One of the highlights of the week is the grand opening celebration of The River Farm Store in Bluffton, which will kick off the festivities. This new venture serves as a hub for local food, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the region's farmers, ranchers, and food artisans. By visiting The River Farm Store and other participating businesses, attendees can put a face to the food they consume, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local food system.

Exploring the Diversity of Local Food Production

Local Food Week offers a unique opportunity for the community to delve into the inner workings of local food production. Through a series of workshops, demonstrations, and farm tours, attendees can gain valuable insights into the various methods and practices employed by the region's food producers.From learning about the role of animals in sustainable agriculture to exploring the intricacies of whole-animal butchery, the event's educational offerings cater to a wide range of interests. Visitors can walk alongside sheep at Greener Pastures in Kendallville, meet the cows, pigs, and chickens at Lone Tree Farms in Huntertown, or venture to Eel River Bison Ranch in South Whitley to learn about the bison-rearing process.The week also shines a spotlight on the region's diverse food production facilities, including the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Education Urban Garden, Bloomingdale Gardens' "food forest," and the Johnnie Mae Farm's urban farming operation. These behind-the-scenes tours offer a unique perspective on the challenges and innovations that shape the local food landscape.

Savoring the Flavors of Northeast Indiana

While Local Food Week is about much more than just the food, the event does provide ample opportunities for attendees to indulge in the region's culinary delights. From unique tasting menus at local restaurants to special events featuring locally-sourced ingredients, the week promises a feast for the senses.Highlights include the Local Food Week Party, which will showcase a variety of local producers, from Hoffman Certified Organics' brats and wings to Merkat Moon Herbals & Earthworks' mocktails and kombucha. Visitors can also sample Burmese cuisine at the Rose Avenue Farm, where the vegetables are grown on-site, or enjoy a pizza and farm tour at Hawkins Family Farm in North Manchester.For those with a sweet tooth, the week offers opportunities to explore the world of local honey and mead at Cupka's Bee Good Meadery in Auburn, as well as the chance to pick their own berries at Cordes Berry Farm in Roann.By immersing themselves in the diverse culinary offerings of Northeast Indiana, attendees can not only savor the flavors but also gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the region's food producers.