Indiana Grown Offerings Grants for Food Councils

Indiana Grown, which promotes Hoosier farmers and the food products they produce, is now offering a grant program to help develop food councils across the state.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture says a food council is a community-based coalition or network created to build a stronger food system.

The ISDA says COVID-19 led to the cancelation of many Indiana Grown events and farmer’s markets in 2020, hurting farmer’s revenue.

“Indiana Grown continually looks for new ways to support Hoosier farmers and producers,” said Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. “The opportunity to offer this food council grant is an example of the program’s value and its ability to pivot in order to meet the needs of its members and partners.”

The regional councils would support the goals of Indiana Grown, such as helping farmers have greater market access.  They would also support Indiana food processors in using more Indiana Grown products.

Consumer education on the importance of buying Indiana Grown products is also an integral part of the mission.

The ISDA says it will provide grants of up to $25,000 per grantee.

“We often hear wonderful ideas from these groups, but the lack of funds continues to be a setback,” said Indiana Grown Program Director Heather Tallman. “With this new grant program, we hope to remove that barrier and allow the organizations to make a real difference in their communities.”

The deadline to register is February 4.  Learn more by clicking here.