Local food summit planned
The Purdue Extension Local Foods Program and the local Food Council are teaming up to host the third Fort Wayne Local Food Summit on March 14.
Across the nation, local foods have emerged as a growing business sector. New jobs are being created in the local food system including producers and distributors. New markets include as food hubs and mobile grocery services.
Consumers are very interested in buying local food and are driving the demand in grocery stores, restaurants and farmers markets, organizers said.
The Fort Wayne Local Food Summit intends to place local food and agricultural economic development on the agendas of public policymakers, business leaders, not-for-profit institutions and citizens. The net result will be greater possibilities of working together, creating jobs, doing business and expanding the economy in Northeast Indiana, organizers said.
Participants will learn about the trends in growing a local food system, the local food council, the regional partnership’s food shed study and steering committee, healthy food financing legislation, and local food initiatives, Cookspring shared use kitchen, Community Harvest Food Bank north facility, and a local farm-to-school initiative.
Vendor displays will provide opportunities for networking and partnerships. An optional tour of the Cookspring kitchen will be available at the conclusion of the summit.
The registration fee of $20 includes lunch and beverages. The registration deadline is March 7. People with questions may call the Allen County Extension Office at 481-6826.
Doors for the summit will open at 8:30 a.m., with presentations and activities planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Summit will be held in the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Walb Classic Ballroom, with free parking in lot P2.
