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| Hello friend, In the fall of 2019, I began my Graduate Certificate in Philanthropy at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis. My first course, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector, explored why this sector exists alongside the public and private sectors. Nonprofits often fill the gaps where those sectors are not operating, yet critical needs remain. They are nimble, flexible, and responsive to place-based challenges, and they play an essential role in advancing compassion, innovation, and capacity for change. Today, FARMWISE Indiana is a 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to increase access to locally grown and raised food for as many Hoosiers as possible- especially through the institutional kitchens and cafeterias that serve our children, students, elderly, and other vulnerable populations. These institutions are powered by food service professionals who are deeply committed to both Indiana agriculture and the quality of the food they serve. Time and again, we see values-driven decisions like choosing to source locally, even when it is not the easiest path. Guiding the work happening in communities and kitchens across the state. As Executive Director of FARMWISE Indiana, I am grateful to continue advancing Indiana’s food system from within the nonprofit sector. That first philanthropy class reshaped how I understand and visualize systems. While systems can be complex, breaking them down across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors helps us see our place within them- not just as eaters, but as participants. Where do you fit in? |
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| | | | Laura Stoltz: Southwest IndianaApril in southwest Indiana has brought new faces and clear signs of spring. Producers across a variety of sectors are exploring wholesale markets, including a strong presence of young and beginning farmers. Peach blossoms, early asparagus, and warmer days on farm visits all point to the bounty just around the corner. The Indiana Grown for Schools Southern Region Action Team has begun connecting with school districts to assess current farm to school efforts and identify opportunities to strengthen the network. By bringing together both newcomers and experienced leaders, the region continues to build momentum around agriculture education and local food access for the next generation. In Pike County, a recent FARMWISE Connections gathering I hosted brought together growers, technical service providers, economic development representatives, and the county’s school nutrition team. The result was a well-rounded conversation that created space for both sharing and learning. |
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| | | Jen Musall: Northwest Indiana
At FARMWISE Indiana, we support the farmers who grow and produce the food that feeds our communities. As a Value Chain Professional, that means meeting farmers where they are- whether it’s a phone call from a tractor, a quick conversation at a farmers market, or, recently, a visit inside a hoop house as the upcoming season takes shape. This month, I connected with a Cass County farmer who is interested in expanding into wholesale markets. Our conversation began with reflecting on past challenges and frustrations, and naturally grew into a deeper discussion about what it takes to move forward with confidence. Together, we explored ways to set clear boundaries, identify the right market opportunities, and build relationships with buyers that align with their goals. These one-on-one conversations are at the heart of our work- helping farmers navigate growth in a way that is both sustainable and practical for their operation. |
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| | | Becky Landes: Northeast Indiana
April was a busy and productive month as I hosted Connections in Goshen, Hartford City, Syracuse, Fort Wayne, and Winchester, bringing together farmers, buyers, and community partners to strengthen relationships and uncover new opportunities. I also visited the Wayne County Produce Auction in Williamsburg, where early spring products- like asparagus, rhubarb, green onions, cucumbers, and a small but highly sought-after batch of strawberries- are beginning to appear alongside vibrant seasonal flowers. The auction hosted its annual Flower Day on May 1, featuring two auction rings to meet demand. Also in April, I attended the Association for Healthcare Foodservice Midwest Regional meeting at Carle Health in Urbana, Illinois. The event brought together healthcare foodservice professionals to explore topics like food safety, reducing food waste, and updated nutrition guidelines, while also connecting with industry vendors. It was a valuable opportunity to better understand the unique needs of healthcare foodservice and strengthen FARMWISE’s ability to serve this important sector. |
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| | | Pete Vissar: Southeast Indiana
As the newest member of FARMWISE Indiana, my primary focus has been establishing a presence across the Southeast region. I recently visited the Wayne County Produce Auction to better understand how this local marketplace connects farmers, buyers, and communities. The auction brings together 80 to 100 regional farms, offering a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other farm products for wholesale bidding three days a week.
I am also preparing for the FARMWISE Southeast Connections meeting tour, which will take place throughout May and June. These gatherings are designed to bring local stakeholders together and create space for meaningful conversation and collaboration.
If you do not see a meeting that fits your schedule, more stops will be added throughout the year. I welcome your input- if there is a time or location that would better serve you, please reach out and I will do my best to accommodate. |
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Jen Musall- NW Indiana Connection Dates 05/07: Jen Musall: Carroll County, One More Cup in Burlington 9:30 am - 11:00 am 05/13: Jen Musall: Benton County, Sun Dog Cafe in Fowler 9:30 am - 11:00 am 05/14: Jen Musall: Tipton County, East Street Provisions in Tipton 9:30 am - 11:00 am 05/27: Jen Musall: Warren County, Warren County Common Grounds Coffee Co. in Williamsport 9:00 am - 10:30 am 05/28: Jen Musall & Becky Landes: Marshall County, The Culver Coffee Company in Culver 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 06/02: Jen Musall & Becky Landes: St. Joseph County, Caffeine & Cream in Granger 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 06/11: Jen Musall: Parke County, The 1880 Mustard Seed in Rockville 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 06/16: Jen Musall & Becky Landes: Delaware County, Cammack Station in Muncie 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 06/18: Jen Musall: Tippecanoe County, Sacred Grounds Reclaimed in Lafayette 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Becky Landes- NE Indiana Connection Dates 05/06: Becky Landes: LaGrange County, Coffee and Cream of South Milford in South Milford 1:00 pm -3:00 pm 05/14: Becky Landes: Adams County, Java Bean in Decatur 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 05/20: Becky Landes: Huntington County, Son-Rise Bakery in Warren 9:00 am - 11:00 am 06/01: Becky Landes: Wabash County, Modoc's Market in Wabash 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 06/08: Becky Landes: Madison County, Falls Perk Coffee House in Pendleton 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Laura Stoltz- SW Indiana Connection Dates 05/05: Laura Stoltz: Crawford County, Out of the Blue in Milltown 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST 05/06: Laura Stoltz: Daviess County, Knepp’s Amish Kountry Korner in Washington 10:00am-11:30 am 05/19: Laura Stoltz: Warrick County, Coffee by Em in Boonville 9:00 am - 10:30 am CST 06/02: Laura Stoltz: Sullivan County, Robin's Place in Sullivan 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Pete Vissar- SE Indiana Connection Dates 05/05: Pete Vissar: Henry County, The Press Coffee Shop in New Castle 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 05/07: Pete Vissar: Bartholomew County, Lucabe Coffee (Bank location) in Columbus 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm 05/12: Pete Vissar: Jefferson County, The Attic Coffee in Madison 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm 05/14: Pete Vissar: Ripley & Jennings Counties, Emily’s Brew Coffee in Versailles 10:00 am 12:00pm 05/19: Pete Vissar: Decatur County, Creekside Farmstop in Greensburg 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm 05/27: Pete Vissar: Floyd & Clark Counties, Coffee Crossing (Bakery Location) in New Albany 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm 06/04: Pete Vissar: Shelby & Rush Counties, The Book Mark in Shelbyville 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm 06/09: Pete Vissar: ScottW & Washington Counties, Java Station 56 in Scottsburg 10:00 pm- 12:00 pm 06/11: Pete Vissar: Fayette & Franklin Counties, Kehila Coffee in Liberty 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm 06/17: Pete Vissar: Jackson County, Moxie Coffee Company in Seymour 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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| | | | | Wholesale Produce Guide
Resources: Selling into wholesale markets is an opportunity for producers to streamline their markets and potentially achieve more stability than with farmers markets and other direct to consumer opportunities. |
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| | | The Role of Farmer’s Markets and CSA’sWholesale Market News: FARMWISE Indiana specializes in working in the “intermediated market channel” space. In other words, we work to move food from farm to wholesale buyer. According to the Ag Census, from 2017 to 2022, intermediated market channel sales in Indiana jumped 280% from $80 million per year to $305 million. |
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| | | Inside Indiana Business
In the Media: When FARMWISE Indiana relaunched as a non-profit in early April, we were blown away by the positive and supportive responses we received from our partners in Indiana and beyond.
FARMWISE Indiana Executive Director Jodee Smith’s recently appeared on Inside Indiana Business to share our growth plans. |
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| FARMWISE Indiana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strengthens Indiana’s food economy by equipping farmers, buyers, and supply chain partners with the connections, knowledge, and coordination needed to expand access to locally grown food across the state. |
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