A new report from FARMWISE Indiana and Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute quantifies IU Dining's direct economic impact on Indiana farmers and food producers for the first time.
In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 – June 2025), IU Dining spent more than $4 million with 51 Indiana farms and food businesses, representing 23% of its total food budget.
Using the National Farm to Institution Metrics Collaborative framework, researchers analyzed nearly 4,700 food items purchased by IU Dining and identified direct investments in Hoosier farmers, food manufacturers, and value-added producers. The report found that $1.4 million went directly to Indiana farmers, while an additional $2.6 million supported Indiana-based food businesses.
Based on established economic multipliers, IU Dining's local purchasing may generate between $5.6 million and $10.4 million in broader economic activity across Indiana.
"This audit shows that when institutions intentionally source local food, their purchasing dollars become investments in Indiana communities,” said Jodee Smith, FARMWISE Indiana executive director.
With food service directors at Indiana schools, hospitals, and other institutions allocating hundreds of millions of dollars toward food purchases each year, the report demonstrates one way institutions can strengthen local economies, support farm growth, and create lasting community impact.
Indiana University is not alone among higher education institutions in its commitment to local and regional food systems. The University of Kentucky has been conducting purchasing audits using the direct farm impact method for 13 years, targeting in-state procurement minimums of 20%. Last academic year, they surpassed those targets, reporting purchases from Kentucky farms and food businesses equaling $7 million, or 43% of their food expenditures, with $1.5 million paid directly to Kentucky farmers.
“Kentucky is a great example of how institutions can grow their impact over time by prioritizing local food and farmers,” Smith said. “For Indiana institutions, reestablishing regional food networks is a first step toward sourcing more food directly from Hoosier farms and businesses.”
Read the full IU Dining Direct Farm Impact Report
About the Environmental Resilience Institute
Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute bridges academia, applied research, and community resilience to deliver the science-informed, equity-centered solutions needed to flourish in a changing climate. Through community partnerships, transformative research, and immersive learning, ERI is creating a more sustainable and prosperous future. Learn more at eri.iu.edu.
About FARMWISE Indiana
FARMWISE Indiana’s mission is to strengthen 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.
