Advancing a Resilient, Inclusive Local Food System in Northeast Indiana

Sturtz Public Management Group proudly led the development of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Assessment and Strategic Plan in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network (NEILFN) — a nonprofit organization serving an 11-county region. Developed in collaboration with Sustainable Food Systems Consultant Katherine Vellucci, and funded by the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this project laid the groundwork for building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive local food economy.

Why It Matters
This comprehensive initiative was designed to deepen understanding of the region’s food system, identify critical needs and opportunities, and align regional efforts to serve both producers and underserved populations. At its heart, the assessment elevates the voices of farmers, food access advocates, and community leaders — providing a roadmap to invest in strategies that build equity, resilience, and regional impact.

How We Did It
SturtzPMG implemented a robust mixed-methods research approach that engaged over 500 community members through:

• 40 stakeholder interviews
• 10 focus groups
• 4 public engagement sessions
• 5 targeted surveys (producers, consumers, food pantries, chefs, and farm-to-school teams)
• Extensive secondary research on trends, best practices, and local and national data
• Participants included a diverse cross-section of stakeholders — from farmers and nutrition experts to public health departments and economic developers — ensuring a holistic understanding of the region’s food landscape.

Turning Insight Into Action
In early 2025, the assessment findings were shared with regional stakeholders, sparking momentum across the local food community. Building on this foundation, SturtzPMG has continued to support NEILFN as an AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion Facilitator, helping lead the creation of the organization’s strategic plan. This plan outlines a unifying vision, mission, shared values, and actionable strategies — all aimed at advancing a more vibrant, inclusive, and interconnected food system across Northeast Indiana.

From insight to impact, SturtzPMG is proud to support the growth of local food economies that nourish people, power rural prosperity, and build stronger communities.